2016 / 2016 / General Studies 1

Prelims PYQ - General Studies 1

Q1.   Which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. A Bill pending in the Lok Sabha lapses on its prorogation. 2. A Bill pending in the Rajya Sabha, which has not been passed by the Lok Sabha, shall not lapse on dissolution of the Lok Sabha. 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

Q2.   Which of the following is/are the indicator/indicators used by IFPRI to compute the Global Hunger Index Report? 1. Undernourishment 2. Child stunting 3. Child mortality Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a)   1 only
(b)   2 and 3 only
(c)   1, 2 and 3
(d)   1 and 3 only

Q3.   There has been a persistent deficit budget year after year. Which of the following actions can be taken by the government to reduce the deficit? 1. Reducing revenue expenditure 2. Introducing new welfare schemes 3. Rationalizing subsidies 4. Expanding industries Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a)   1 and 3 only
(b)   2 and 3 only
(c)   1 only
(d)   1, 2, 3 and 4

Q4.   '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

Q5.   With reference to ‘LiFi’, recently in the news, which of the following statement(s) is/are correct? 1. It uses light as the medium for high speed data transmission. 2. It is a wireless technology and several times faster than ‘WiFi’. 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

Q6.   The term ‘Intended Nationally Determined Contributions’ is sometimes seen in the news in the context of
(a)   pledges made by the European countries to rehabilitate refugees from the war-affected Middle East
(b)   plan of action outlined by the countries of the world to combat climate change
(c)   capital contributed by the member countries in the establishment of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
(d)   plan of action outlined by the countries of the world regarding Sustainable Development Goals

Q7.   Which one of the following is a purpose of ‘UDAY’, a scheme of the Government?
(a)   Providing technical and financial assistance to start-up entre-preneurs in the field of renewable sources of energy
(b)   Providing electricity to every household iv 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

Q8.   With reference to `IFC Masala Bonds', sometimes seen in the news, which of the statements given below is/are correct? 1. The International Finance Corporation, which offers these bonds, is an arm of the World Bank. 2. They are the rupee-denominated bonds and are a source of debt financing for the public and private sector. Select the correct answer using the code given below
(a)   1 only
(b)   2 only
(c)   Both 1 and 2
(d)   Neither1 nor 2

Q9.   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 industry 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

Q10.   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

Q11.   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

Q12.   What is/are the importance/importance of the ‘United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification’? 1. It aims to promote effective action through innovative national programmes and supportive international partnerships. 2. It has a special/particular focus on South Asia and North Africa regions, and its Secretariat facilitates the allocation of major portion of financial resources to these regions. 3. It is committed to bottom-up approach, encouraging the participation of local people in combating the desertification. 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

Q13.   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

Q14.   With reference to the International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC), consider the following statements: 1. IMFC discusses matters of concern affecting the global economy, and advises the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on the direction of its work. 2. The World Bank participates as observer in MFC's meetings, Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a)   1 only
(b)   2 only
(c)   Both 1 and 2
(d)   Neither I nor 2

Q15.   With reference to the cultural history of medieval India, consider the following statements: 1. Siddhas (Sittars) of Tamil region were monotheistic and condemned idolatry. 2. Lingayats of Kannada region questioned the theory of rebirth and rejected the caste hierarchy. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a)   1 only
(b)   2 only
(c)   Both 1 and 2
(d)   Neither 1 nor 2

Q16.   Which of the following best describes the term 'import cover', sometimes seen in the news?
(a)   It is the ratio of value of imports to the Gross Domestic Product of a country
(b)   It is the total value of imports of a country in a year
(c)   It is the ratio between the value of exports and that of imports between two countries
(d)   It is the number of months of imports that could be paid for by a country's international reserves

Q17.   Consider the following pairs: Community sometimes in the affairs of mentioned in the news 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

Q18.   With reference to ‘Organization for the prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)’ consider the following statements: 1. It is an organization of European Union in working relation with NATO and WHO 2. It monitors chemical industry to prevent new weapons free emerging 3. It provides assistance and protection to Stated Parties against chemical weapons threats. 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

Q19.   With reference to 'Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana', consider the following statements: 1. Under this scheme, farmers will have to pay a uniform premium of two percent for any crop they cultivate in any season of the year. 2. This scheme covers post-harvest losses arising out of cyclones and unseasonal rains. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a)   1 only
(b)   2 only
(c)   Both 1 and 2
(d)   Neither 1 nor 2

Q20.   In which of the following regions of India are you most likely to come across the ‘Great Indian Hornbill’ in its natural habitat?
(a)   Sand deserts of northwest India
(b)   Higher Himalayas of Jammu and Kashmir
(c)   Salt marshes of western Gujarat
(d)   Western Ghats

Q21.   Consider the following statements: 1. Animal Welfare Board of India is established under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. 2. National Tiger Conservation Authority is a statutory body. 3. National Ganga River Basin Authority is chaired by the Prime Minister. 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

Q22.   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 1,weedicide and a fertiliser for particular crops

Q23.   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

Q24.   With reference to ‘Stand Up India Scheme’, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Its purpose is to promote entrepreneurship among SC/ST and women entrepreneurs. 2. It provides for refinance through SIDBI, Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a)   1 only
(b)   2 only
(c)   Both 1 and 2
(d)   Neither1 nor 2

Q25.   Consider the following statements regarding overall goals of the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS) 1. To provide modern technology, training in modern farming methods and financial support to local communities of identified GIAHS so as to greatly enhance their agricultural productivity. 2. To identify and safeguard eco-friendly traditional farm practices and their associated landscapes, agricultural biodiversity and knowledge systems of the local communities. 3. To provide Geographical Indication status to all the varieties of agricultural produce in such identified GIAHS. How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a)   Only one
(b)   Only two
(c)   All three
(d)   None

Q26.   Which of the following is/are tributary tributaries of Brahmaputra? 1. Dibang 2. Kameng 3. Lohit Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a)   1 only
(b)   2 and 3 only
(c)   1 and 3 only
(d)   1, 2 and 3

Q27.   The term ‘Core Banking Solutions’ is sometimes seen in the news. Which of the following statements best describes/describe this term? It is a networking of a bank’s branches which enables customers to operate their accounts from any branch of the bank on its network regardless of where they open their accounts. It is an effort to increase RBI’s control over commercial banks through computerization. It is a detailed procedure by which a bank with huge non-performing assets is taken over by another bank. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a)   1 only
(b)   2 and 3 only
(c)   1 and 3 only
(d)   1, 2 and 3

Q28.   Consider the following pairs: Terms sometimes Their origin is seen in the news Annex—I Countries: Cartagena Protocol Certified Emissions Reductions: Nagoya Protocol 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

Q29.    Consider the following statements: 1. Mission Indradhanush is a special drive to expand full immunization coverage in India. 2. The Mission Indradhanush (MI) initiative, operate under the Universal Immunization Program (UIP), focuses on low-immunization areas. 3. India’s Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) provides free vaccines against 12 life threatening diseases How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a)   Only one
(b)   Only two
(c)   All three
(d)   None

Q30.   Which of the following best describes/describe the aim of ‘Green India Mission’ of the Government of India? 1. Incorporating environmental benefits and costs into the Union and State Budgets thereby implementing the ‘green accounting’ 2. Launching the second green revolution to enhance agricultural output so as to ensure food security to one and all in the future 3. Restoring and enhancing forest cover and responding to climate change by a combination of adaptation and mitigation measures Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a)   1 only
(b)   2 and 3 only
(c)   3 only
(d)   1, 2 and 3

Q31.   With reference to pre-packed items in India, it is mandatory to the manufacturer to put which of the following information on the main label, as per the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and Labelling) Regulation, 2011? 1. List of ingredients including additives 2. Nutrition information 3. Recommendations, if any, made by the medical profession about the possibility of any allergic reaction 4. Vegetarian/non-vegetarian Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a)   1, 2 and 3 only
(b)   2, 3 and 4 only
(c)   1, 2 and 4 only
(d)   1 and 4 only

Q32.   '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

Q33.   Consider the following statements Statement-I: Net Metering is a billing mechanism that credits solar energy system owners for the electricity they add to the grid. Statement-II: Net Metering is an arrangement where a consumer is compensated at a fixed feed-in tariff for the number of units of solar energy generated and exported to the grid. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
(a)   Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement- II is the correct explanation for Statement- I
(b)   Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement- II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
(c)   Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
(d)   Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

Q34.   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)

Q35.   Banjaras during the medieval period of Indian history were generally
(a)   agriculturists
(b)   warriors
(c)   weavers
(d)   traders

Q36.   Who of the following had first deciphered the edicts of Emperor Ashoka?
(a)   Georg Buhler
(b)   James Prinsep
(c)   Max Muller
(d)   William Jones

Q37.   With reference to the ‘Gram Nyayalaya Act’, which of the following statements is/are correct? (2016) As per the Act, Gram Nyayalayas can hear only civil cases and not criminal cases. The Act allows local social activists as mediators/ reconciliators. 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

Q38.   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

Q39.   Consider the following statements: 1. The India-Africa Summit 2. Held in 2015 was the third such Summit 3. Was actually initiated by Jawaharlal Nehru in 1951 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

Q40.   What is/are the purpose/purposes of the 'Marginal Cost of Funds based Lending Rate (MCLR)' announced by RBI? 1. These guidelines help improve the transparency in the methodology followed by banks for determining the interest rates on advances. 2. These guidelines help ensure availability of bank credit at interest rates which are fair to the borrowers as well as the banks. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a)   1 only
(b)   2 only
(c)   Both 1 and 2
(d)   Neither I nor 2

Q41.   What is/are unique about 'Kharai camel' a breed found in India? 1. It is capable of swimming up to three kilometres in seawater. 2. It survives by grazing on mangroves. 3. It lives in the wild and cannot be domesticated. 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

Q42.   Recently, our scientists have discovered a new and distinct species of banana plant which attains a height of about 11 metres and has orange-coloured fruit pulp. In which part of India has it been discovered?
(a)   Andaman Islands
(b)   Anaimalai Forests
(c)   Maikala Hills
(d)   Tropical rain forests of northeast

Q43.   Which one of the following is the best description of ‘INS Astradharini’, that was in the news recently?
(a)   Amphibious warfare ship  
(b)   Nuclear-powered submarine
(c)   Torpedo launch and recovery vessel
(d)   Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier

Q44.   What is ‘Greased Lightning-10 (GL-10)’, recently in the news?
(a)   Electric plane tested by NASA
(b)   Solar-powered two-seater aircraft designed by Japan
(c)   Space observatory launched by China
(d)   Reusable rocket designed by ISRO

Q45.   The 'Swadeshi' and 'Boycott' were adopted as methods of struggle for the first time during the
(a)   Agitation against the Partition of Bengal
(b)   Home Rule Movement
(c)   Non-Cooperation Movement
(d)   Visit of the Simon Commission to India

Q46.   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

Q47.   ‘Doctors Without Borders (Medecins Sans Frontiercs)’, often in the news, is
(a)   A division of World Health Organization
(b)   A non-governmental international organization
(c)   And inter-government agency sponsored by European Union
(d)   A specialized agency of the United Nations

Q48.   With reference to an initiative called "The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB)" which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. It is an initiative hosted by UNEP, IMF and World Economic Forum. 2. It is a global initiative that focuses on drawing attention to the economic benefits of biodiversity. 3. It presents an approach that can help decision-makers recognize, demonstrate and capture the value of ecosystems and biodiversity. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a)   1 and 2 only
(b)   3 only
(c)   2 and 3 only
(d)   1, 2 and 3

Q49.   With reference to 'Red Sanders', sometimes seen in the news, consider the following statements: 1. It is a tree species found in a part of South India. 2. It is one of the most important trees in the tropical rainforest areas of South India. 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

Q50.   Which of the following statements is/are correct? Proper design and effective implementation of UN REDD+ Programme can significantly contribute to 1. protection of biodiversity 2. resilience of forest ecosystems 3. poverty reduction Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a)   1 and 2 only
(b)   3 only
(c)   2 and 3 only
(d)   1, 2 and 3

Q51.   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-governmental 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

Q52.   With reference to 'Financial Stability and Development Council', consider the following statements: 1. It is an organ of NITI Aayog. 2. It is headed by the Union Finance Minister 3. It monitors macro-prudential supervision of the economy. Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?
(a)   1 and 2 only
(b)   3 only
(c)   2 and 3 only
(d)   1, 2 and 3

Q53.   With reference to ‘Agenda 21’, sometimes seen in the news, consider the following statements: 1. It is a global action plan for sustainable development. 2. It originated in the World Summit on Sustainable Development held in Johannesburg in 2002. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a)   1 only
(b)   2 only
(c)   Both 1 and 2
(d)   Neither 1 nor 2

Q54.   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.

Q55.   Which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Viruses can infect 2. bacteria 3. fungi 4. 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

Q56.   The term ‘Base Erosion and Profit Shifting’ is sometimes seen in the news in the context of
(a)   mining operation by multinational companies in resource-rich but backward area
(b)   curbing of the tax evasion by multinational companies
(c)   exploitation of genetic resources of a country by multinational companies
(d)   lack of consideration of environmental planning and developmental costs in the implementation of projects

Q57.   With reference to ‘National Investment and Infrastructure Fund’, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. It is an organ of NITI Aayog. 2. 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

Q58.   What is/are the purpose/purposes of 'District Mineral Foundations' in India? 1. Promoting mineral exploration activities in mineral-rich districts 2. Protecting the interests of the persons affected by mining operations 3. Authorizing State Governments to issue licences for mineral exploration Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a)   1 and 2 only
(b)   2 only
(c)   1 and 3 only
(d)   1, 2 and 3

Q59.   ‘SWAYAM’, an initiative 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

Q60.   The Montague-Chelmsford Proposals were related to
(a)   social reforms
(b)   educational reforms
(c)   reforms in police administration
(d)   constitutional reforms

Q61.   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)   3 only
(c)   1 and 3 only
(d)   None of the statements given above is correct

Q62.   With reference to ‘Bitcoins’, sometimes seen in the news, which of the following statement(s) is/are correct? 1. Bitcoins are tracked by the Central Banks of the countries. 2. Anyone with a Bitcoin address can send and receive Bitcoins from anyone else with a Bitcoin address. 3. Online payments can be sent without either side knowing the identity of the other. Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
(a)   1 and 2 only
(b)   2 and 3 only
(c)   3 only
(d)   1, 2 and 3

Q63.   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

Q64.   ‘Gadgil Committee Report’ and ‘Kasturirangam 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

Q65.   Consider the following: 1. Calcutta Unitarian Committee 2. Tabernacle of New Dispensation 3. Indian Reform Association Keshab Chandra Sen is associated with the establishment of which of the above?
(a)   1 and 3 only
(b)   2 and 3 only
(c)   3 only
(d)   1, 2 and 3

Q66.   Consider the following statements Statement-I: The remittance in 2022 increased because India’s other high-income destinations had favourable economic conditions. Statement-II: High energy prices and low food price inflation in the Gulf cooperation council countries, had positive spillovers for less-skilled South Asian migrants. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
(a)   Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement- II is the correct explanation for Statement- I
(b)   Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement- II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I.
(c)   Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
(d)   Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

Q67.   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 Indian 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

Q68.   ‘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

Q69.   Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana is aimed at
(a)   bringing the small entrepreneurs into formal financial system
(b)   providing loans to poor farmers for cultivating particular crops
(c)   providing pensions to old and destitute persons
(d)   funding the voluntary organizations involved in the promotion of skill development and employment generation

Q70.   In which of the following regions of India are shale gas resources found? 1. Cambay Basin 2. Cauvery Basin 3. Krishna-Godavari Basin Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a)   1 and 2 only
(b)   3 only
(c)   2 and 3 only
(d)   1, 2 and 3

Q71.   'Global Financial Stability Report' is prepared by the
(a)   European Central Bank
(b)   International Monetary Fund
(c)   International Bank for Reconstruction and Development
(d)   Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development

Q72.   Regarding ‘Atal Pension Yojana’, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. It is a minimum guaranteed pension scheme mainly targeted at unorganized sector workers. 2. Only one member of a family can join the scheme. 3. Same amount of pension is guaranteed for the spouse for life after subscriber’s death. 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

Q73.   On which of the following can you find the Bureau of Energy Efficiency Star Label? 1. Ceiling fans 2. Electric geysers 3. Tubular fluorescent lamps Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a)   1 and 2 only
(b)   3 only
(c)   2 and 3 only
(d)   1, 2 and 3

Q74.   India is an important member of the ‘International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor’. If this experiment succeeds, what is the immediate advantage of India?
(a)   It can use thorium in place of uranium for power generation.
(b)   It can attain a global role in satellite navigation
(c)   It can drastically improve the efficiency of its fission reactors in power generation
(d)   It can build fusion reactors for power generation

Q75.   In the context of the history of India, consider the following pairs:       Term      Description1. Eripatti      Land, revenue from which was set apart for the maintenance of the village tank2. Taniyurs     Villages donated to a single Brahmin or a group of Brahmins3. Ghatikas    Colleges generally attached to the templesWhich of the pairs given above correctly matched?
(a)   1 and 2
(b)   3 only
(c)   2 and 3
(d)   1 and 3

Q76.   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

Q77.   ‘European Stability Mechanism’, sometimes seen in the news, is an
(a)   agency created by EU to deal with the impact of millions of refugees arriving from Middle East
(b)   agency of EU that provides financial assistance to eurozone countries
(c)   agency of EU to deal with all the bilateral and multilateral agreements on trade
(d)   agency of EU to deal with the conflict arising among the member countries

Q78.   Which of the following is/are the advantage/advantages of practising drip irrigation? 1. Reduction in weed 2. Reduction in soil salinity 3. Reduction in soil erosion Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a)   1 and 2 only
(b)   3 only
(c)   1 and 3 only
(d)   None of the above

Q79.   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. Sulfur 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

Q80.   With reference to ‘Astrosat’, the astronomical observatory launched by India, which of the following statement(s) 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 codes given below.
(a)   1 only
(b)   2 only
(c)   Both1 and 2
(d)   Neither 1 nor 2

Q81.   With reference to the economic history of medieval India, the term ‘Araghatta’ refers to
(a)   bonded labor
(b)   land grants made to military officers
(c)   waterwheel used in the irrigation of land
(d)   wasteland converted to cultivated land

Q82.   With reference to the cultural history of India, the memorizing of chronicles, dynastic histories, and epic tales was the profession of which of the following?
(a)   Shramana
(b)   Parivraajaka
(c)   Agrahaarika
(d)   Maagadha

Q83.   Consider the following statements regarding The Mangalyaan launched by ISRO 1. It is also called the Mars Orbiter Mission. 2. It made India the second country to have a spacecraft orbit the Mars after USA. 3. It made India the only country to be successful in making its spacecraft orbit the Mars in its very first attempt. How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a)   Only one
(b)   Only two
(c)   All three
(d)   None

Q84.   What was the main reason for the split in the Indian National Congress at Surat in 1907?
(a)   Introduction of communalism into Indian politics by Lord Minto
(b)   Extremists’ lack of faith in the capacity of the moderates to negotiate with the British Government
(c)   Foundation of Muslim League
(d)   Aurobindo Ghosh’s inability to be elected as the President of the Indian National Congress

Q85.   The plan of Sir Stafford Cripps envisaged that after the Second World War
(a)   India should be granted complete independence.
(b)   India should be partitioned into two before granting independence.
(c)   India should be made a republic with the condition that she will join the Commonwealth.
(d)   India should be given Dominion status.

Q86.   The Parliament of India acquires the power to legislate on any item in the State List in the national interest if a resolution to that effect is passed by the
(a)   Lok Sabha by a simple majority of its total membership
(b)   Lok Sabha by a majority of not less than two-thirds of its total membership
(c)   Rajya Sabha by a simple majority of its total membership
(d)   Rajya Sabha by a majority of not less than two-thirds of its members present and voting

Q87.   With reference to the Agreement at the UNFCCC Meeting in Paris in 2015, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. The Agreement was signed by all the member countries of the UN and it will go into effect in 2017. 2. The Agreement aims to limit the greenhouse gas emissions so that the rise in average global temperature by the end of this century does not exceed 2°C or even 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. 3. Developed countries acknowledged their historical responsibility in global warming and committed to donate $1000 billion a year from 2020 to help developing countries to cope with climate change. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a)   1 and 3 only
(b)   2 only
(c)   2 and 3 only
(d)   1, 2 and 3

Q88.   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

Q89.   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

Q90.   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

Q91.   Rashtriya Garima Abhiyaan is a national campaign to
(a)   rehabilitate the homeless and destitute persons and provide them with suitable sources of livelihood
(b)   release the sex workers from their practice and provide them with alternative sources of livelihood
(c)   eradicate the practice of manual scavenging and rehabilitate the manual scavengers
(d)   release the bonded labourers from their bondage and rehabilitate them

Q92.   Consider the following pairs       Terms sometimes                         Their origin seen in the news 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