1. Which of the following is not one of the goals of smart cities?
a) Providing safe investment avenues in infrastructure
b) Inclusive growth
c) Recasting India's urban landscape
d) None of the above
2. Which of the following is NOT a Unesco World Heritage Site?
a) Nalanda Universityb) Mahabodhi Temple
c) Kaziranga Wildlife Sanctuary
d) Red Fort Complex
3. A cryogenic engine has an advantage over liquid or solid propellant system :-
a) because cryogenic fuel is lighterb) because the fuel tank is smaller
c) because it uses inexpensive fuel
d) because fuel is easy to store
Q4. The first Sunhak Peace Prize has been awarded to:-
a) Agricultural Scientist M Vijay Gupta
b) Anote Tong
c) Both of the Aboved) None of the Above
Q5 Which of the following are true about Alzheimer's disease?
1) It is a form of brain cancer
2) It is concerned with dimentia and memory loss
3) It is a reversible condition
4) It is generally associated with old age
Select the correct Options from the choice given below:-
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 & 2
d) 2 & 4 only
Q6. The report on India's External Debt is released by:-
a) Reserve Bank of India
b) Department of Economic Affairs
c) Department of Revenue
d) Central Board of Direct Taxes
Q7. The base Year for Index of Industrial Production is:-
a) 1993-94
b) 2004-2005c) 2009-2010
d) 2012-2013
8. All of the below is correct about GSLV-D6 except:-
a) It uses a cryogenic lower stage
b) It will be placed in a geosynchronous orbit
c) It will be used mainly/exclusively for military purposes
d) This is India's 1st military satellite
9.Which of the following is incorrect about organic farming:-
1) It uses biological pest control techniques
2) It saves water
3) It can immediately meet the goals of food security
4) It uses fertilizers
Select the correct answers using the choices given below:-
a) 2 only
b) 1 & 2 only
c) 2 & 3 onlyd) 2 & 4 only
10. Refugees emigration is happening from all of the below countries except -
a) Syria
b) Myanmarc) Libya
d) Jordan
11. Which of the following would not reduce volatility in stock markets?
1) Government purchasing stocks
2) Devaluation of the currency in a net-exporting economy
3) Quantitative Easing by govt/Fed
4) Emulating the Greenspan put
Select the correct answers using the choices given below:-
a) 1 only
b) 1 & 2 only
c) 1, 2 & 3 only
d) None
11. Which of the following departments is not under the Home Ministry?
1. Department of Official Language
2. Department of Home
3. Department of Border Management
4. Department of Internal Security
5. Department of Culture
a) 5 onlyb) 1 and 5 only
c) 2 and 5 only
d) None of the above
12. Which of the following is false regarding the The National Investigation Agency (NIA) Act?
a) State Government may request the Central Government to hand over the investigation of a case to the NIA
b) Central Government can order NIA to take over investigation of any offence anywhere in the countryc) State Government may investigate cases under the scheduled offences
d) It is incumbent on the State Police to assist the NIA
13. A single promulgation of an ordinance can remain in effect for a maximum of approximately -
a) 3 months
b) 6 months
c) 7.5 monthsd) 1 year
14. Which of the following is not a reason favouring the abolishing the death penalty in India?
a) death penalty doesn't serve goal of deterrence
b) the world over, most states have declared a moratorium on it, even though it exists on the statute books
c) Trial courts have an error rate of over 95% when it comes to awarding the death sentenced) The supreme court has an error rate of over 20% when it comes to awarding the death sentence
15. To which of the following projects is India not a party?
a) Charbahaar port and TAPI pipeline
b) Project Mausam
c) Project Spice Route
d) BCIM and CPEC corridors
16. Which of the following bank(s) has/have been designated as 'Domestic Systemically Important Banks (D-SIBs)' by the RBI?
a) ICICI Bank
b) State Bank of India
c) Bothd) None
17. False about the Group of Twenty (G20)
a) international economic cooperation and decision-making
b) membership comprises 19 countries plus the European Union
c) all BRICS countries are a part of the G20 as well
d) B20, C20, L20, T20 and Y20 are G20’s decision-making bodies
18. Greenpeace India’s registration was cancelled due to violation(s) of
a) FEMA
b) FCRAc) FATCA
d) FRBM
19. False regarding the constitution of India, with respect to federalism.
a) Emergency powers are a part of the centralising tendency
b) Finance commission is a part of the federal tendency
c) Panchayati Raj institutions are a part of the federal tendency in the states
d) Cantonments are a part of the federal tendency in the states
20. The main functions of the RBI include
1. formulates, implements and monitors the monetary policy
2. regulator and supervisor of the banking and financial system
3. manager of foreign exchange
4. banker to the government and other banks
5. bears the liability of repayment of all currency in circulation in India
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 4 only
c) 1, 2, 3 and 4 onlyd) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
21. False regarding reservations in India
a) Constitutional view of reservation requires evidence of discrimination or backwardness
b) By its very definition, reservation cannot promote the interests of the dominant castes
c) General category is the sphere of equal citizenship where caste is not allowed to matter
d) As an idea, reservation emerged after independence the nation
22. Palmyra is always in the news lately. What is the context?
a) Place where traces of an ancient civilisation have been unearthed recenly
b) Place where the IS has set up an independent national headquarter
c) Place in Iraq experiencing massive destruction of ancient artifacts and architecture by the IS
d) Place which is an example of the fate of heritage in the hands of fanatics
22.True regarding One Rank One Pension (OROP) for ex-servicemen:
a) It is a pre-independence issue that was kept on the back-burner due to lack of finds
b) It's prime objective includes ensuring that a senior officer doesn't get less pension than their juniorc) It is not applicable to war widows and disabled, since they get a lump-sun ex gratia sum
d) Paramilitary forces are also covered under this scheme
23. Which of the following constitute the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) of India:
a) AR, BSF, SSB, ITBP, CISF, CRPF, NSG only
b) BSF, SSB, ITBP, CISF, CRPF onlyc) AR, BSF, SSB, ITBP, CISF, CRPF, NSG, RPF only
d) AR, BSF, SSB, ITBP, CISF, CRPF only
24. true about the Special Forces of India :
1. under the direct command of the Indian military
2. under the direct command of the M/o Defence or M/o Home
3. the army, the navy and the air force, all maintain their own special forces
4. The SPG and the NSG are classified under special forces in India
5. Garud Commando Force, MARCOS and PARA SF are classified under special forces in India
a) all of above
b) 2, 3, 5 only
c) 1, 3, 5 only
d) 2, 3, 4, 5 only
25. The newest official engagement group of the G20 is/are the:
a. Y20 and W20
b. W20 onlyc. L20
d. B20
26. False regarding the Inner Line Permit system
a. It currently is required for Indian citizens to enter certain NE states
b. It's purpose is to allow inward travel of an Indian citizen into a protected area for a limited periodc. An unrestrained demographic pressure by ‘outsiders’ has led to a renewed demand of the ILP
d. It not required to travel between the states having the ILP provisions
27. The Inner Line Permit is not required for travel into which of the following states?
a. Arunachal Pradesh
b. Nagaland
c. Manipurd. Mizoram
28. False regarding Stonehenge is that:
a) It is located in England (UK)
b) It is a paleolithic stone monument
c) It is a circular row of elongated stones standing vertically
d) It is just one of similar stone structures found throughout the area
29. False regarding macroeconomic phenomenon:
a) Inflation is beneficial for growth in nominal GDP
b) Inflation is detrimental for households
c) Deflation is beneficial for the economyd) Deflation is reduces nominal GDP figures
30. False regarding Bilateral Investment Treaties (BIT):
a) A BIT is a treaty between two countries ensuring protection of each other's investors
b) BIT protection usually includes right of equality and protection against arbitrary state action
c) A Most Favoured Nation (MFN) provision guarantees an investor a treatment not less favourable than a treatment afforded to any other investor claiming rights under any other BIT
d) BIT protection allows for adjudication of disputes at the WTO
31. Planting trees along roads to boost green cover is known as:
a) Social forestry
b) Community forestry
c) Extension forestryd) Urban forestry
32. Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), is placed under:
a) Ministry of Communications and Information Technology
b) Ministry of Home Affairs
c) Ministry of External Affairs
d) Ministry of Defence
33. False regarding the The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC):
a) Assesses and accredits institutions of higher education in India
b) It is a body under by the Ministry of HRDc) It is funded by University Grants Commission
d) It grades universities as 'A,' 'B,' 'C,' and 'D' in diminishing order
34. True about India's position on the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT)
a) India signed the NPT as a prerequisite of signing the Indo-US nuclear deal
b) India has declined to sign the NPT on the grounds of that the NPT creates a club of nuclear haves and have-notsc) India has declined to sign the NPT till such date that Pakistan doesn't sign the same
d) India is the only country in the world to have adopted a stance of 'no first use'
35. False regarding the Sustainable Development Goals
a) It was an outcome of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD) (Rio+20)
b) The first seven SDGs are an extension of the MDGs
c) Seven goals lay down the framework for sustainability
d) The deadline for the SDGs is 2045
36. False regarding the projects for interlinking of Indian rivers
a) Both Himalayan and Peninsular rivers would have their separate interlinks
b) Himalayan and Peninsular rivers would be interlinked as well
c) It is being studied by the National Water Development Agency (NWDA)
d) The Himalayan interlinks proposed include rivers of the Indus system(This is a bit tough. Read this if you don't know)
37. True regarding the International Gandhi Peace Prize
1. It was launched on the 125th birth anniversary of Gandhiji
2. It was launched soon after the assassination of Gandhiji
3. It is open to all persons regardless of nationality
4. The the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha is a member of the deciding panel
5. Awardees include Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu[, Grameen Bank and ISRO
6. It carries no cash prize
a) 2, 3, 4, 5 only
b) 1, 3, 4, 5 onlyc) 1, 4, 6 only
d) 2, 3, 5, 6 only
40. False regarding District Mineral Foundations (DMFs)
a) They are to be set up in every district of every state of the Unionb) Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2015 mandates their creation
c) They are to work for the interest and benefit of persons and areas affected by mining-related operations
d) It is entitled to collect a share of the royalty of the minerals mined
41. False TRUE regarding the Indian Space Programme (error rectified)
1. ISRO built India's first satellite, Aryabhata, which was launched by the Soviet Union
2. Satellite navigation systems like GAGAN and IRNSS have been deployed
3. ISRO has successfully developed and used an indigenous cryogenic engine
4. Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, the father of India's Space Programme
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 1, 2 and 4 only
c) 1, 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 2, 3, 4
42. False regarding the gold schemes of the government of India launched recently
a) Through the Gold Monetisation Scheme, gold in any form can be deposited with banks for a period of one to 15 years
b) Through the Gold Monetisation Scheme, gold the form of coins, biscuits and bars can be deposited with banks for a period of one to 15 years
c) Gold deposited will earn interest and redemption will be at the prevailing market value at the end of the tenure of deposit
d) The Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme obviates the need need to buy actual gold as customers can buy gold bonds which will be relatable to the weight of gold
43. False regarding the Index of Industrial Production (IIP)
1. Details out the growth of various sectors in an economy
2. Compiled and published monthly by the Central Statistical Organisation
3. Sectors covered include services, mining, electricity and manufacturing
4. The figure is the CAGR of the industrial sector
a) 2 only
b) 3 and 4 onlyc) 1, 3 and 4 only
d) 2 and 3 only
44. Which of the following pairs countries have High Commissioners stationed in India as their diplomatic staff?
a) The Pakistan and Myanmar
b) Pakistan and Bangladeshc) Bangladesh and Afghanistan
d) Nepal and Bhutan
45. Which of the following are is NOT included in the criteria for eligibility of language to be considered for classification as 'classical language' in India? (error rectified)
a) A body of ancient literature or texts that is considered valuable
b) The literary tradition must be original, and not borrowed from another speech community
c) A discontinuity between the classical language and its later forms or its offshoots is essentiald) High antiquity of its early texts or recorded history over a period of 1500-2000 years
46. False regarding wind powered electricity generation
a) The short gestation periods for installing wind turbines is an added advantage, apart from being green
b) Wind-farms have no adverse impact on the flora, fauna and environment
c) Off-shore wind farms are planned upto a seaward distance of 200 nautical miles from the coast
d) Gujarat and Tamil Nadu coasts have significant wind energy potential with India as a whole having a potential of over 300 GW
47. False regarding the Comptroller and Auditor General of India
1. It is an independent constitutional office under article 148 of the constitution, and heads the IA&AS
2. The reports of the CAG are taken into consideration by the both the Public Accounts Committees (PACs), and Committees on Public Undertakings (COPUs)
3. C&AG is entrusted with the duty of auditing the Consolidated Fund, Public Accounts and contingency funds of the union, while its state counterparts deal with similar funds of the states
4. The comptroller function of the C&AG of India includes authorisation of the issue of money to departments
a) 4 only
b) 1 only
c) 2 and 4 only
d) 3 and 4 only
48. False regarding the National Green Tribunal
1. It is a statutory body created to defend Article 21 of the constitution of India
2. The tribunal is bound by both the CrPC and natural justice, with the latter being overriding
3. Its Original Jurisdiction lies on matters of substantial question relating to environment
4. Any appeal against an order of the NGT lies with the Supreme Court alone
a) 2, 3 and 4 only
b) 1 and 4 only
c) 2 only
d) 2 and 4 only
49. Advantages of aerobic rice cultivation include the following, except:
a) It uses less water than traditional method
b) The field is irrigated by a sprinkler system to keep soil wet
c) The paddy is transplanted 2 weeks later than traditional methodd) The yield is lower than traditional method because of due to weeds and micronutrient non-availability
50. Indian classical dance forms are recognized by
a) Lalit Kala Academy
b) Sangeet Natak Academyc) Ministry of Culture
d) National School of Drama
51. False regarding the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI):
a) It is an autonomous apex statutory body under the IRDA Act.
b) IRDA Act allows private players to enter the insurance sector in India
c) Its main functions include protecting the interest of and securing fair treatment to policyholders
d) It can only censure companies and legal action can only be initiated by the Finance Ministry
52. False regarding the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI):
a) FSSAI lays down the standards and guidelines in relation to articles of food and health supplements
b) It provides scientific advice and technical support to Governments on issues under its domain
c) Collects and collates data regarding food consumption, bilogical risks, contaminants, etc.
d) It has no jurisdiction over AYUSH supplements being sold as medicines
53. Imposing duties on the import of a certain class of goods amounts to what, in the WTO terminology?
a) Non-tarrif barrier to trade
b) Tariff barrier to tradec) Both
d) None
54. True regarding Safeguard duty in the context of WTO/GATT:
1. WTO-compatible temporary measure
2. WTO-compatible permanent measure
3. It is designed to avert any damage to a country’s domestic industry from cheap imports
4. It must come with a specified time-period
5. Nations have the power of imposing provisional duty by themselves
a) 1, 3 , 4 and 5 onlyb) 2, 3 and 4 only
c) 3 only
d) 1 and 5 only
55. According to the Quacquarelli Symonds’ (QS) list of top 200 universities globally, which of the Indian universities below have made it to the list?
1. IIT-Delhi
2. IIM-Ahmedabad
3. IISc, Bangalore
4. AIIMS, New Delhi
5. Delhi University
a) 1 and 4 only
b) 1 and 3 onlyc) 2, 3 and 5 only
d) All of the above
56. The Supreme Court banned photographs of personalities in government ads. Which of the following are exceptions allowed?
1. Acknowledged personalities
2. Prime Minister of India
3. President of India
4. Chief Justice of India
5. Chief of EC, C&AG, UPSC, CVC
6. Chairpersons of NHRC, NCW, NCSC, NCST, NCPCR
7. Chief-ministers
8. Governors
a) All of the above
b) 2, 3, 4, 7, 8 only
c) 1, 2, 3, 4 onlyd) 1 and 3 only
57. False regarding Cryopreservation
a) Helpful to women suffering from cancer before undergoing chemotherapy or radiation
b) By this method, a woman's eggs are extracted, frozen and stored
c) Chemotherapy drugs and radiation to the pelvis cause genetic changes to the eggs, often leading to infertility
d) It can allow women to be mothers after cancer treatments like hysterectomy
58. False regarding the Amogha-1 weapon system
a) It is an anti-tank guided missile
b) it has been indigenously developed
c) Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), Hyderabad designed and developed it
d) it has a range of 65 km
59. False regarding the G4 nations
a) Brazil, Germany, India, and Japan are four countries making up the G4
b) G4’s primary aim is for permanent seats on the United Nations Security Council
c) The 'Coffee Club' (UfC) countries are opposed to the G4's position
d) The P5 is unanimous in opposition to the G4's position
60. The world's oldest international financial organisation is:
a) The Bank for International Settlements (BIS)b) The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD)
c) The General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT)
d) The International Monetary Fund (IMF)
61. The government plans to ship out “non-performing” babus by forcing them to compulsorily retire from service. What are true regarding this decision?
1. Applies to Group A and B employee who has crossed the age of 50 and Group C government servant, who has crossed the age of 55
2. The Cabinet Secretary issues instructions in this regard
3. The decision is based on documents such as the Annual Confidential Report (ACR) or Annual Performance Appraisal Report (APAR)
4. The The Chief Vigilance Officers (CVOs) in government departments would not be involved in this regard
5. The government has the “absolute right” to retire employees, if necessary in the public interest, under Fundamental Rule 56(J)
6. The Minister in charge of MoPPGP issues instructions in this regard
a) All of the above
b) 1, 2, 3, 5
c) 3, 5, 6
d) 1, 3, 5, 6
62. True regarding the Rapid Survey on Children (RSOC):
1. It was conducted under the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India
2. The selection of respondents was similar to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) 2005-06
3. It was an attempt to plug the huge gap in India’s social statistics since the last NFHS was conducted about a decade ago
4. Institutional deliveries are now over 75% of all deliveries
5. Proportion of sample households practicing open defecation in 2013-14 was about 46%
6. Less than a quarter of mothers received the full ante-natal care
a) All of the aboveb) 1, 4, 5, 6
c) 1, 2, 3
d) 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
63. False regarding M-Sand:
a) M-Sand is manufactured sand which increases quality and durability of concrete
b) It is crushed aggregates produced from hard granite stone with grounded edges
c) It can be used as a substitute of river-bed sand
d) It costs only a fraction of what it costs to transport river-bed sand at any time of the year
64. False regarding Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission:
a) Its aim is to spur economic, social and infrastructure development in rural areas through development of rurban growth clusters, developing clusters of Smart Villages
b) It would work to develop clusters of geographically contiguous Gram Panchayats under the framework of the MoRD, preferably via PPP
c) The scheme will function with 14 mandatory components, viz. Skill development training linked to economic activities, Agro Processing/Agri Services/Storage and Warehousing, Digital Literacy, Sanitation, Provision of piped water supply, Solid and liquid waste management, Village streets and drains, Street lights, Fully equipped mobile health unit, Upgrading school /higher education facilities, Inter-village road connectivity, Citizen Service Centres- for electronic delivery of citizen centric services/e-gram connectivity, Public transport., LPG gas connections
d) 'Rurban' refers to transformation of a cluster of villages into a town by planned urbanisation over a period of time
65. False regarding the Mekong–Ganga Cooperation (MGC):
a) It comprises six member countries, namely India, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam.
b) Cooperation includes areas of tourism, culture, education, and transportation linkage
c) It aims to form a regional economic bloc with free trade and a common currency in the long termd) It aims to form the groundwork for a future trade and investment cooperation in the region
66. What is Geo-tagging?
a) It is a process of adding geographical identification metadata to photographs, land records, etcb) It is a method of ascertaining the provenance of goods
c) It is a process of adding photographs to areas on digital maps
d) It is a way of guiding missiles to exact targets
67. False regarding the Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY):
a) Meant to provide for the welfare of areas and people affected by mining related operations
b) It is to be funded by Centre and States in a 25%:75% revenue sharing basis
c) Includes mitigation of the adverse impacts, during and after mining in the area
d) Ensure long-term sustainable livelihoods for the affected people in mining areas
68. Setting up small finance banks (SFBs) is expected have all of the following effects on rural economy except:
a) Address the abysmal levels of financial inclusion in India
b) Will boost promote niche banking giving working capital finance support to certain difficult-to-finance areas
c) Bring down their cost of funds and translate into lower interest rates for clients
d) Will soak up additional liquidity reducing demand, thereby reducing inflation
69. False regarding the Madhesi people:
a) Belong to the Southern region of Nepal known as the Madhesh
b) Maithili is the most spoken language of Madhesi people
c) They are immigrants from neighbouring Indian states such as UP and Bihard) Madhesi and Tharu activists have launched a protest against the Nepalese Constitution
70. False regarding the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN):
a) Formed by the Bangkok Declaration of 1967 and currently its aim is to move closer to 'an EU-style community.'
b) It has started looking into the feasibility of an Asian Currency Unit (ACU), under the AIIB c) The 'Asean Way' refers to a methodology or approach to solving issues that respects the cultural norms of Southeast Asia
d) The RCEP consists of all ten ASEAN countries as well as China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, India, New Zealand
71. Microfinance is (choose the most appropriate):
a) It is a banking service that is provided to those who would otherwise have no other means of gaining financial servicesb) It is a banking service that is provided to SHGs
c) It is a banking service that is provided to Micro and Small enterprises, and SHGs
d) It is a banking service that is provided at a rate that is much lower than the lending rates of commercial banks
72. False regarding the Blackbuck:
a) It is species of antelope native to the Indian subcontinent
b) It is not considered to be a critically endangered species as listed in the IUCN Red List
c) They are widely scattered throughout the country
d) It is also known as the Indian gazelle
73. False regarding the new Nepalese constitution:
a) It is a democratic Constitution drafter with aid from India
b) It is a Hindu nationalist constitution with full religious rights to minoritiesc) The ‘proportional inclusion’ clause provides for reservations
d) It was recently adopted by the Nepalese constituent assembly in 2015
74. False regarding the idea of the Upper House of Parliament in India:
a) Bicameral legislature was introduced in British India in 1919 as a consequence of the Montagu-Chelmsford reforms
b) Though some ancient civilizations had a bicameral legislature, the modern version can be traced to the estates of medieval Europe
c) Most modern democracies that have a bicameral legislature do so on the grounds of a federal polity
d) It is possible to abolish the Rajya Sabha without adopting a new Indian Constitution as the interpretation of the house as a “basic structure" is undone by absence of upper houses in many states
75. False regarding Dengue:
a) It is a viral disease with high fatality ratesb) It can cause bleeding and fall in BP
c) The Aedes mosquito is a vector of the virus
d) Many patients with viral fevers do not require investigations
76. What is hydroponics?
a) A technique of growing plants without soil or solid growing mediumb) A technique of growing plants in open water bodies
c) A technique of growing plants using drip irrigation
d) A technique of growing plants in water after initial germination in soil
77. False regarding the Central Bureau of Health Intelligence (CBHI):
a) It is the national nodal institute for health intelligence under the DGHS, MoHFW, GoI
b) It maintains and disseminates the National Health Profile (NHP), Health Sector Policy Reform Options Database (HS-PROD), Inventory and GIS Mapping of Govt. Health Facilities in India, etc.
c) It review the progress of the health sector w.r.t. the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) in India.
d) It does not maintain the Annual Road Safety Profile of India
78. False regarding the National Health Profile 2015:
a) India spends less of its GDP on health than some of the world’s poorest countries
b) Every government allopathic doctor serves a population of over 11,000 people
c) Deaths from most communicable diseases have been rising in the last decade in India owing to climate changed) Non-communicable diseases are on the rise with cardiovascular diseases according for a quarter of deaths from non-communicable diseases and cancer accounting for six per cent
79. False regarding the geographical indication (GI) regime:
a) It is a name or sign used on certain products which corresponds to a specific geographical location or origin
b) It may act as a certification that the product possesses certain qualities, is made according to traditional methods, or enjoys a certain reputation, due to its geographical origin
c) The WIPO does not deal international treaties dealing with the protection of geographical indications or appellations of origin
d) The WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights ("TRIPS") Agreement defines 'geographical indications'
80. False regarding data encryption:
a) Encryption is a way to enhance the security of a message or file by scrambling the contents so that it can only be read only by someone who has the right encryption key to unscramble it
b) Some important cryptographic algorithms depend on the fact that prime factorization of large numbers takes a long time; public and private keys are generated using large prime numbers
c) The intended communication information or message, referred to as plaintext, is encrypted using an encryption algorithm, generating ciphertext
d) No cryptographic method has ever been successfully cracked without the use of supercomputers
81. False regarding the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (IC4)
a) CERT-In will no longer be the national nodal agency for responding to computer security incidents as and when they occur and would be subsumed into IC4b) The IC4 will have linkages with CCTNS and NATGRID, the two databases having information related to various kinds of crime and criminals
c) One of the priorities of IC4 will be to check attempts by international gangs to penetrate Indian government's official communication network and hack them
d) Tackling child pornography and online abuse will be its top priority and it will function as a nodal point in the fight against cyber crime and as an early warning system for law enforcement
82. A Smart City would do all of the following except:
a) Provide core infrastructure for a decent quality of life
b) Provide a clean and sustainable environment
c) Provide inclusive housing by preventing ghettoisation
d) Provide e-governance facilities
83. False regarding Special Purpose Vehicles (SPV):
a) It is a subsidiary company created to protect owners and investors of the parent company from all liabilities in the event that the SPV goes bankruptb) It is usually a subsidiary company with an asset/liability structure and legal status that makes its obligations secure even if the parent company goes bankrupt
c) A corporation can use such a vehicle to finance a large project without putting the entire firm at risk
d) An SPV usually has no management, no offices and no employees. It is a firm, which is a legal person, where every action of the firm is defined by pre-specified contracts and transactions done by a trustee
84. False regarding the Land Pooling System (LPS) of obtaining land for projects is:
a) Landowners voluntarily sign ownership rights over to a single agency or government body
b) It is bound by the safeguards and obligations listed under the Land Acquisition Act of 2013c) A smaller portion of the land to the original owners after development but rise in price compensates
d) Land, not monetary payment, is the primary medium of exchange in this process
85. False regarding the Skill India mission and the social background of education and vocational training:
a) Among persons in the 15-59 age group, about 2.2% reported to having received formal vocational training and 8.6% non-formal vocational training
b) Among people aged 15 and above only 2.4% had technical degrees, diplomas or certificates in fields like medicine, engineering or agriculture
c) Large sections of the educated workforce have little or no job skills, making them largely unemployable
d) The National Skill Development Agency is a, Public Private Partnership in India, which aims to promote skill development by catalysing creation of large, quality, for-profit vocational institutions
86. Flase regarding Double Tax Avoidance Agreements (DTAA):
a) Aims to avoid or eliminate double taxation of the same income, asset or transaction in two countries
b) Aims to avoid or eliminate double taxation of the same tax-payer in two countries
c) Business profits are taxable in the source country if the enterprise constitutes a permanent establishment there
d) Deals with the black money generation
87. False regarding the Gujarat Control of Terrorism and Organised Crime (GCTOC) Bill:
a) Admissibility of evidence collected through interception of mobile calls of an accused
b) Confessions before police officers admissible in court
c) Bill provides immunity to the State government from legal action
d) Has a period of probe before filing of charge sheet has been set at 18 months
88. False regarding Section 124A (covering Sedition) in The Indian Penal Code:
a) Punishment for sedition can vary from 7 years in jail to life imprisonment - both with or without fine
b) Expressing disapprobation of the action of the Government without exciting hatred, contempt or disaffection, does not constitute an offence under this section
c) Bringing or attempts to bring into hatred, or attempts to excite disaffection towards the Government established by law is Sedition
d) Punishment for sedition can vary from simple fine to life imprisonment
89. False regarding the Maoist insurgency in India:
a) It is claimed to be centred around the demands for 'Jal, Jungle, Zameen, Izzat and Adhikar' (water-forest-land-respect-rights)
b) It focuses on guerrilla warfare driving out the police as its primary means of establishing bases in rural hinterlands following the ideology that, "Power flows from the barrel of a gun."
c) It runs parallel courts and collects its own taxes in the areas in its control, especially from businesses
d) It ultimately aims to capture power by a protracted people's war, but is not attempting to overthrow the state by itself
90. False regarding the Perigean Spring Tide:
a) Also called Supermoon or King Tide
b) They occur as specially strong high tides that occur during half-moonsc) During a Supermoon when the moon is closest to the earth, maximising the tidal effect
d) They occur as specially strong high tides that occur during the full moon and new moon
91. False regarding the Indian Flag Code:
a) Signing on the national flag is a punishable offence
b) The code does not apply on foreign soil
c) The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act is complementary to it
d) The definition of the 'Indian National Flag' is restricted to only those sizes that are designated in the code
92. False regarding the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development adopted by the UNGA in 2015:
a) The SDGs are a set of 17 goals and 169 targets that replace the MDGs adopted in 2000
b) The 1st target of the 1st goal is, "By 2030, eradicate extreme poverty for all people everywhere, currently measured as people living on less than $1.25 a day"
c) The MDGs have been subsumed into the list of SDGs and would continue till the next target as remain underachievedd) The global goals are designed to provide a roadmap for countries to finance and shape government policies over the next 15 years
93. In dating ancient texts, which of the following does NOT serve as an indicator?
a) Flora and fauna mentioned in the text
b) Study of comparative linguistics using the text
c) Astronomical evidence corroborating with observations mentioned in the text
d) Descriptions of the landscape where the text is set
94. False regarding the Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) in the lead up to the Paris climate summit:
a) The INDCs of countries will form the basis for climate negotiations
b) INDCs would be discussed at the Conference of Parties (CoP) 21 of the UNFCCC
c) INDCs would include quantifiable information on the reference point, time frames, scope and coverage, planning, assumptions, etc. related to its GHG emissions
d) Countries must include explanations on how it considers that its INDC is fair and ambitious, in light of its national circumstances
95. India's claim for the UNSC permanent seat is based on all of the following set of reasons, except:
a) Largest democracy; large population; large and important economy
b) Large standing army; nuclear power; largest number of UN peacekeeping troops contributed for several successive yearsc) Serving on the Peace Building Commission (PBC)
d) Serving on many occasions in the UNSC as a non-permanent member; as well as
96. What is Green credit?
a) Alternative designation for the current Carbon Credit Mechanism using cap and trade
b) Loans drawn from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) for CCS or afforestation
c) Quantum of more-than-equitable undertaking under Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs)
d) Certified emission reduction (CER) credits under the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM)
97. True regarding the Forward Markets Commission (FMC) - Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) merger:
a) FMC has been recently merged into SEBI
b) SEBI has been recently merged into FMC
c) Both FMC and SEBI have been merged into the new Financial Market Regulatory Commission of India (FMRCI)
d) The Financial Market Regulatory Commission of India (FMRCI) was the original body that was split into SEBI and FMC
98. Diplomatic immunity was established under the UN framework via which of the following:
a) Vienna conventionb) Berlin convention
c) Bern convention
d) Dublin convention
99. False regarding ISRO's Astrosat, launched in 2015
a) This is the country’s first astronomy observatory / space observatory
b) It was launched using the GSLV rocket system and would be placed in a high, geosynchronous orbit
c) It was launched using the PSLV rocket system and would be placed in a low-Earth, Near-equatorial orbit
d) It is designed to study stars, star formation, black holes, neutron stars, X-ray burst, etc.
100. False regarding the Asian Pacific Economic Community (APEC):
a) It a regional economic forum for the Asian Pacific region
b) The largest economies in APEC include the United States of America
c) APEC prioritises the goals of combating changing global environment and disasters by building resilience, sustainability and food security
d) India is an observer but has not requested membership in APEC
101. False regarding the top 10 troop-contributing countries (TCCs) for UN peacekeeping forces:
a) Till September 2015, Bangladesh has the top spot by number of troops contributed
b) Top five troop and police-contributing countries to are Bangladesh, Ethiopia, India, Pakistan and Rwanda
c) Top 10 TCCs are automatically included into the UN Peace-building Commission, which also includes the P5 amongst othersd) The USA contributes nearly 30% of all costs for peace-keeping
102. False regarding net neutrality:
a) ISPs can offer connectivity to the poor at zero costb) ISPs should not discriminate against specific online services or websites
c) The ISP does not get to control what you do on the internet
d) Individuals should be free to access all content and applications equally
103. False regarding the Transmission Mechanism of Fiscal Policy:
a) It is the concordant movement of bank interest rates in line with movement in fiscal policy rates
b) It is the discordant movement of the cost of capital to the end user, vis-a-vis the movement in fiscal policy rates
c) It is the reduction of commercial bank lending rates at the behest of the central bank
d) It is the enhancement of commercial bank savings rates brought about by rise in the policy rates of the central bank
104. False regarding the provisions of ILO’s Convention No. 189 on Decent Work for Domestic Workers:
a) Member states may not require migrant domestic domestic workers to have written written contractsb) Freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining
c) Elimination of all forms of forced or compulsory labour, abolition of child labour, elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation, etc.
d) Effective promotion and protection of the human rights of all domestic workers
105. False regarding the South China Sea:
a) The area's importance largely results from one-third of the world's shipping transiting through its waters
b) It is believed to hold huge oil and gas reserves beneath its seabed
c) The sea and its inhabited islands are subject to competing claims of sovereignty by several countriesd) The northeast of Spratlys is known to mariners as Dangerous Ground as the area is dangerous for navigation
106. False regarding disputed territories and EEZ claims in the South China Sea:
a) The Scarborough Shoal and Spratly Islands
b) The Natuna and The Paracel Islands
c) Areas along the Strait of Johore, Strait of Singapore and Gulf of Thailand
d) The Anambas Islands
107. Obstacles to economic growth and ease of doing business include:
1. High levels of Corruption
2. Policy instability
3. Low levels of Inflation
4. High cost to finance
5. Government instability
6. Inadequate infrastructure
a) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 only
b) 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 onlyc) 1, 3, 5, 6 only
d) 1, 3, 4, 6 only
108. Which of these do not feature amongst India’s Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) on climate change?
a) To grant a budgetary support of Rs.100 crore annually towards the Green Climate Fund (GCF), earmarked for supporting climate resilience and mitigation activities in the LDCs.b) To To reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP by 33 to 35 per cent by 2030 from 2005 level and to adopt a climate friendly and a cleaner path than the one followed hitherto by others at corresponding level of economic development.
c) To achieve about 40 per cent cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel based energy resources by 2030 and to work for joint collaborative R&D for cutting edge and future climate technology technologies.
d) To create an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent through additional forest and tree cover by 2030.
109. India's share in global CO2 emissions (2012) was:
a) 5.7 bTn; 1.97% of global average; 1.6Tn/capita
b) 1.97 bTn; 5.7% of global average; 1.6Tn/capitac) 1.6 bTn; 1.97% of global average; 5.7Tn/capita
d) 1.6 bTn; 1.57% of global average; 5.7Tn/capita
110. False regarding 'Emission intensity':
a) An emission intensity is the average emission rate of CO2 from a given source relative to the intensity of a specific activityb) 'Grams of CO2 released per MJ of energy produced' is an example
c) 'Ratio of GHG emissions produced to gross domestic product (GDP)' is an example
d) Countries have expressed their INDCs in this term ahead of the Paris climate talks
111. False regarding estimating pollutant emissions:
1. 'Emission intensity' measures is the average emission rate of a given pollutant from a given source relative to the intensity of a specific activity
2. 'Carbon intensity' is the 'Emission intensity' relating to carbon alone and expressed in weights of carbon emitted
3. 'Carbon footprint' is defined as the total sets of greenhouse gas emissions caused by an organization, event, product or individual
4. 'Carbon accounting' refers generally to processes undertaken to "measure" amounts of carbon dioxide equivalents emitted by an entity
5. 'Greenhouse gas footprint', refers to the amount of GHG that are emitted during the creation of products or services
6. 'Carbon intensity per kilowatt', or CIPK, which is used to compare different sources of electrical power
a) None of the aboveb) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
c) 1, 2, 3, 5
d) 2, 3, 4
112. Types of emission reduction / credit certificates include:
1. Certified Emission Reductions (CERs)
2. Emission Reduction Units (ERUs)
3. Voluntary Emission Reductions (VERs)
4. EU-Allowances (EUAs)
5. Assigned Amount Units (AAUs)
6. Voluntary Carbon Unit (VCU) or Voluntary Carbon Standard (VCS) credit
7. Renewable Energy Certificate (REC)
a) All of the aboveb) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7
c) 1, 2, 3, 5, 6
d) 2, 3, 4, 7
113. False regarding improved cooking fuels in India:
a) Access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy is one of the goals under the SDG framework
b) India has the world’s largest population without modern energy access, including cooking fuel
c) National programmes have distributed millions of ‘Improved Cook Stoves’ (ICS) to improve cooking fuel qualityd) Less than 0.5% of the current population using biogas
114. False regarding Indoor Air Pollution (IAP) and combating it in India:
a) Indoor Air Pollution (IAP) caused by combustion of traditional biomass for cooking
b) IAP results in many many respiratory and cardiac diseases, and 5-9 lakh deaths per year
c) Women with children are the most affected
d) Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) does not contribute to any IAP
115. False regarding the objectives of the Swachh Bharat Mission:
a) Eliminate open defecation and bring about a behavioral change in people regarding healthy sanitation practices
b) Conversion of insanitary toilets to pour flush toilets with subsidy, if required
c) At least 75% collection and scientific processing/disposal/reuse/recycle of Municipal Solid Wasted) Eradication of manual scavenging
116. What is Road Asset Management System (RAMS)?
a) Strategic and systematic process of maintaining, upgrading, and operating road assets effectively
b) Strategic and systematic process of maintaining, and operating toll booths electronically
c) Strategic and systematic process of ensuring highway security in LWE affected areas
d) Strategic and systematic process of getting road accident patients to hospital rapidly and safely
117. Approach to pricing India's domestically produced natural gas, by the October 2014 policy, includes, all except:
a) Price revision on the basis of the prevailing prices in gas-surplus countries
b) Price revisions once every six months
c) This policy is likely to benefit the government by reducing the subsidy tab in the long rund) Price revision on the basis of the prevailing prices in countries like United States, Mexico, Russia and Canada
118. India has made progress in achieving the MDG health-related targets. Which of the following targets have not been met:
a) Substantially reduce its under-five mortality rate
b) Target for reducing poverty by half
c) Gender parity in primary school enrolment
d) Target for reducing maternal mortality by three quarters
119. The National Crime Records Bureau figures for 2014 show all except:
a) Low judge-to-population ratio is leading to pendency in courts that has not improved since the 1987 Law Commission recommendation to take it up to 50 per million
b) Poor states like Bihar, MP, Rajasthan and UP top the list of states with the highest percentage of undertrials who have been in prison for more than three monthsc) Almost 68 per cent of the inmates of India’s overflowing prisons are undertrials and 70 per cent of those convicted are illiterate
d) Notably, 21.1 per cent of undertrials in jails are Muslim, even as their percentage among convicts is only 16.4 per cent, closer to the community’s composition in the country’s population
120. False regarding Thorium-based nuclear energy:
a) Thorium is mostly found with the rare earth mineral, monazite
b) Thorium is a "fertile" substance but not a "fissile" substance'
c) Thorium is not radioactive, but can be converted to a radioactive U-235d) India has as much as 25-30% of the world Thorium reserves
121. Nobel Prize in Medicine for parasite-fighting therapies. Which of the following drug/disease discoveries won?
a) Avermectin for river blindness and lymphatic filariasis and Artemisinin for malariab) Ivermectin for river blindness and lymphatic filariasis and Artesunate for malaria
c) Artemisinin for river blindness and lymphatic filariasis and Avermectin for malaria
d) Ivermectin for river blindness and lymphatic filariasis and Mefloquine for malaria
122. False regarding the Trans-Pacific Partnership:
a) It is a trade pact that is intended to cut trade barriers and establish common standards
b) It is similar to other pacts such as APEC, ASEAN, NAFTA, CAN, RCEP and MERCOSUR, some of whose member have come together in this
c) TPP is not under the WTO regime, rather it is an alternative to the WTO
d) It includes most countries that form the Pacific Rim, including US, China, Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, etc.
123. Which of the following publications : organisations are correctly matched:
1. IMF : World Economic Outlook (WEO)
2. OECD : Economic Outlook
3. World Bank Group : Global Economic Prospects
4. Consensus Economics : Consensus Forecasts
5. European Central Bank : ECB Survey of Professional Forecasters
a) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
b) 2, 4, 5 only
c) 1, 3, 4, 5 only
d) 1, 2, 4, 5 only
124. False regarding neutrinos:
a) They interact very rarely with matter and pass through the Sun / Earth / human bodies / etc. without any problems
b) Neutrinos interact with matter via the electro-weak force and gravity only
c) The neutrino was proposed decades before they were actually detected
d) They are tiny mass-less particles created in nuclear reactions
125. Which of the following are common forms of PPP project financing?
1. Service Contract
2. Management Contract
3. Lease contract
4. Disinvestment
5. Concessions
6. Build Operate Transfer (BOT)
7. Joint Venture
a) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
b) 1, 2, 3, 6, 7 only
c) 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7d) 1, 2, 5, 6 only
126. False regarding India and the UNHRC Convention relating to the Status of Refugees (1951 Refugee Convention):
a) India offers asylum to a large number of refugees
b) India is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention
c) No SAARC country has acceded to the convention
d) India reason for not acceding is that we don’t have the kind of resources to address these demands
127. False regarding the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana:
a) It is an initiative by the Union Ministry of Finance to ‘fund the unfunded’
b) It will provide loans from public sector, regional, rural, State and urban cooperative banks
c) It will serve both farming and non-farm income generating enterprises in manufacturing, trading and servicesd) It is to be availed under three categories — Shishu, Kishor and Tarun - depending upon the amount
128. False regarding the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC):
a) It is a scientific intergovernmental body under the auspices of the United Nations
b) It was first established jointly by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
c) IPCC produces reports that support the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) by carrying out its own original researchd) Hoesung Lee, a Korean professor of economics of climate change, energy and sustainable development has succeeded R.K. Pachauri of India at the helm
129. False regarding the new Group A. central service, the Indian Skill Development Service (ISDS):
a) New officers will jointly formulate school education and skill policies as well as curricula along with the DSEL officers
b) Its aim is to improve skill development administration in the country
c) It is to be the technical cadre of the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSD&E)
d) It has become essential as India aims to skill some 500 million people by 2022 in both organized and unorganised sectors
130. False regarding Satellite based Navigation Services in India:
1. The ISRO and AAI have implemented the GAGAN project as a Satellite Based Augmentation System (SBAS) for the Indian Airspace
2. GAGAN, though primarily meant for aviation, will provide benefits beyond aviation to many other user segments
3. The IRNSS is an ISRO initiative for an independent satellite-based navigation system for users over Indian region
4. The IRNSS is designed to use 7 satellites, viz. IRNSS-1A to IRNSS-1G, while GAGAN uses 3 GSAT satellites
5. GAGAN needs at least 1 satellite to be functional while IRNSS needs at least 4; the rest provide redundancy for safety
a) 1 and 5 only
b) 4 only
c) None of the aboved) 2 and 3 only
131. False regarding the SC judgement regarding Delhi's 'environment compensation charge' passed recently:
a) It is a form of service charge based on the principle of polluter must pay for clean-up
b) Passenger buses, emergency vehicles and vehicles carrying essential commodities would be exempted from payment
c) It has been initially passed as a an experimental "deterrent" mechanism
d) The money so collected would be used to augment public transport and roads, particularly vulnerable users like cyclists and pedestrians
132. India’s first community reserve to protect the endangered Gangetic river dolphins is located:
a) On the Ganga in West Bengal
b) On the Hoogly in West Bengalc) On the Ganag in Bihar
d) On the Mahanahi in Odisha
133. India's National Aquatic Animal is:
a) The bottlenose dolphinb) The gangetic cow
c) The dugong
d) The susu
134. False regarding the Missile Technology Control Regime (MCTR):
a) India has not applied to the MTCR as it was a target of the regime after the nuclear explosions in the 1990sb) The MTCR was set up in 1987 to build a level of export control measures focused on curtailing the spread of missile systems capable of delivering WMDs
c) Regime later expanded its scope to include the missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) which could deliver chemical and biological weapons
d) India formally applied for membership to the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), and a decision on India’s membership is expected to be taken up soon
135. The global non-proliferation architecture includes:
1. The MTCR
2. The NSG
3. The NPT
4. The Wassenaar Arrangement
5. The Australia Group
6. The OPCW
a) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
b) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 only
c) 2, 3, 4, 5 only
d) 1, 2, 4, 5 only
136. False regarding the 2015 Nobel Peace Prize winning Tunisia’s National Dialogue Quartet:
a) The Tunisia’s National Dialogue Quartet consists of the Tunisian General Labour Union, the Tunisian Confederation of Industry, Trade and Handicrafts, the Tunisian Human Rights League and the Tunisian Order of Lawyers
b) The quartet has played a key role in mediating between the different parties in the country’s post-Arab Spring government
c) It was formed in the wake of the Jasmine Revolution that began in late 2010
d) Norwegian Nobel Committee said that the prize is awarded to the four individual organizations
137. False regarding the re-delineation of the Piracy High Risk Area (HRA) around India:
a) European Union Chair of the Contact Group of Piracy off the Coast of Somalia (CGPCS) made the changes
b) Indian ship-owners are likely to benefit significantly on account of savings on insurance and associated operating costs
c) The extension of the eastern limit of the East Arabian Sea HRA earlier was from 65 degree east to 78 degree east latitudes
d) There is no piracy in Indian in the Indian maritime zones and adjacent seas
138. Possible objectives behind the rules of campaign finance include all except:
a) Acts to level the playing field between various candidates irrespective of their socioeconomic background
b) Checking unaccounted cash funding from undisclosed donors that come with strings attached
c) Wealthier candidates may not be able to adequately represent the vast majority of voters are poor
d) Controlling middlemen who mobilise votes by coercion, violence or bribery
139. False regarding Lok Adalats:
a) System of alternative, speedy, less expensive, non-adversarial system dispute resolution held periodically for exercising such jurisdiction as determined with no advocates or court fees
b) They are held by the State Authority, District Authority, Legal Services Committees presided over by retired judges, social activists, or other members of the legal profession
c) The focus is on reaching a compromise, if possible, which, if reached is made and is binding on the parties
d) These are constitutional bodies set up under the Legal Services Authorities Act 1987, to fulfill the DPSP mandate enshrined in the Constitution of India, for providing free legal services for the citizens
140. What is transfer pricing?
a) The price at which divisions of a company transact with each other for goods and services exchanged, including a profit marginb) The price at which companies transact with each other for goods and services sold
c) The price which one company pays to purchase ownership stake in another company owned by the same business group
d) The price at which divisions of a company transact with each other for goods and services exchanged at cost price
141. Special status of the state of J&K has constitutional validity due to:
a) Article 370
b) Article 35A
c) Article 300A
d) (a) and (b)
142. The Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in 2015 was awarded for:
a) Improving the accuracy of basic economic gauges, including measures of income, poverty and consumptionb) The analysis of market power and regulation
c) For their empirical analysis of asset prices
d) For the theory of stable allocations and the practice of market design
143. False regarding the execution of orders and warrants of International Criminal Court (ICC) in India:
a) It's obligatory for a signatory of the Rome Statute (that established it) to carry out its orders
b) India would not ordinarily be under any legal obligation to comply with a request made by the Court
c) UNSC resolutions under 'Chapter VII' can be used to make the orders of the ICC binding on non-signatories
d) The legality of an ICC order superseding the 'head of state' immunity has been well settled
144. True regarding global hunger and the The 2015 Global Hunger Index (GHI):
1. Many of the nations where the situation is serious or alarming are predominantly ones experiencing civil unrest
2. Hunger in developing countries has fallen by 27% since 2000
3. The three nations with the highest levels of severe hunger are the CAR, Chad and Zambia, amongst the ones for which it was possible to gather reliable data
4. Malnutrition claimed the lives of about 3.1 million children each year, accounting for almost half of the deaths of children under the age of five
5. The index combines four indicators in calculating a nation's Index score, viz Child wasting, Child stunting, Child mortality (all under 5 year) and Undernourishment in population
6. There was insufficient data for a number of sub-Saharan nations that had recently suffered from a severe lack of food, like South Sudan, DR Congo and Syria
7. The UN SDG 17 is 'end hunger, achieve food security and improve nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture'
8. Indian scenario of undernourishment in children is comparable to that of sub-Saharan Africa
a) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 only
b) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8c) 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 only
d) 1, 2, 5, 6, 7 only
145. True regarding the world's nutrition challenges and the Global Nutrition Report, 2015:
1. There is a critical relationship between climate change and nutrition
2. One in three people in the world remains malnourished
3. Nearly half of all countries face multiple serious burdens of malnutrition
4. Burdens of malnutrition include poor child growth, micro-nutrient deficiency, and adult overweight and obesity
5. For every rupee spent on effective nutrition programmes, Rs.16 can come back through improved productivity in the labour force
6. Together, maternal and child under-nutrition account for more than 10% of the global burden of disease
7. More people in the world are overweight or obese than suffering from hunger
a) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7b) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 only
c) 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 only
d) 1,2, 3, 4, 5 only
146. Which of the following drugs, when used extensively for veterinary purposes, threaten vulture populations:
a) Diclofenac
b) Ketoprofen
c) Bothd) None
147. False regarding the India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS):
a) It is the official engagement platform for the government of India and the Commission of the African Union
b) The formal outcome documents of the Summit would be a Declaration and an Action Plan
c) Declaration will address broader areas of cooperation and our common views on regional and international issues
d) Africa-centric organizations like UNAIDS, Africa Union and African Development Bank are special observers
148. True regarding the Uniform Civil Code and Religious Personal Laws in India:
1. Article 44 of the Constitution says that there should be a Uniform Civil Code
2. The Constitutional provision for a Uniform Civil Code is cannot be enforced by any court
3. Any uniform civil code must be brought into force throughout the territory of India
4. It is a generic set of governing laws for every citizen, without taking into consideration their religion or lack thereof
5. Personal laws, based on the religious scriptures and customs of each major religious community, are currently legally enforced
6. Personal laws are binding on every member legally belonging to the community
7. A uniform civil code will mean that personal laws will become subservient to the constitutional law, which might infringe upon rights under Article 29 and 30
8. India already has an optional civil code in the form of the Special Marriages Act, 1954, Indian Succession Act, 1925, etc.
a) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
b) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8 onlyc) 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8 only
d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 8 only
149. False regarding the Phillips curve and the phenomenon it describes:
a) The Phillips curve suggests there is an inverse relationship between inflation and unemployment
b) Breakdown in the Phillips curve relationship occurs during stagflation
c) A significant increase in aggregate demand is likely to cause a reduction in unemployment and higher inflation in the short term
d) Policy makers must always accept higher inflation to ensure low structural unemployment
150. Common drugs, sold over-the-counter in medicine shops, that are abused recreationally include all except:
a) Codeine
b) Benzodiazepines
c) Nicotine
d) Adrenaline
151. Which of the following are reasons for developed nations to encourage immigration from poorer countries?
1. Domestic labour market shortfall
2. Domestic population is aging rapidly
3. Giving shelter to asylum-seekers, refugees
4. Promoting population diversity
5. Demographic challenges in countries of origin
6. Treaty obligations
7. Promoting domestic education industry
a) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
b) 1, 3, 6, 7 only
c) 1, 2, 6, 7 only
d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7 only
152. True regarding Mission Indradhanush and IUPs in India:
1. Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) started in 1985 by the government of India
2. Mission Indradhanush was launched with the ultimate aim of immunising every Indian child by 2020
3. Immunisation coverage, in India is currently close to 2/3s of eligible children
4. Use of a cold supply chain management system is essential for most UIPs to succeed
5. Mission Indradhanush aims to achieve more than 90 percent immunisation coverage by 2020
a) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
b) 1, 2, 3, 4 only
c) 1, 3, 4, 5 only
d) 1, 2, 4, 5 only
153. India has achieved the elimination of the following diseases except:
a) Polio
b) Smallpox
c) Maternal and neonatal tetanus
d) Rotaviral diarrhoea
154. Which of the following all-India service is the latest to be established till 2015?
a) Indian Skill Development Service (ISDS)
b) Indian Judicial Service (IJS)
c) Indian Legal Assistance services (ILAS)
d) Indian Forest Service (IFS)
155. False regarding Licensed cultivation of opium in India:
a) India is the only country that legally grows opium poppy, used as foodb) India is the only country that legally grows opium gum, the source of morphine, codeine and thebaine
c) The NDPS Act empowers the Central Government to permit and regulate cultivation of opium
d) The licensing policy allows cultivators to overshoot their actual area under cultivation by only up to 5 per cent
156. False regarding intellectual property rights over software:
a) A new software or a computer programme may be a trade secret
b) A new software or a computer programme is copyrightable
c) A new software or a computer programme is be patentabled) A new software or a computer programme may have a trademark
157. Possible benefits of merging PSU banks of India include, all except:
1. Greater market share control and enhanced share value
2. Greater capacity to take up larger risk exposures
3. Greater strength to withstand financial system shocks
4. Reduction of overall non-performing asset burden of the merging entities
5. Greater global visibility and better brand value
6. Economies of scale aiding in greater efficiency including by redundancy reduction
7. Reduction of the tendency of lending large amounts to single companies or groups
8. Reduction in employee pay disparities across banks
9. Greater decentralisation and diversification
a) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
b) 1, 2, 5, 6, 8 only
c) 1, 2, 4, 5, 8 only
d) 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8 only
158. False regarding the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT):
a) It aims to develop basic infrastructure in 500 cities and towns with a population of one lakh and above
b) It aims to develop 500 smart cities and towns with a population of one lakh and above
c) Services relating to water supply, sewerage, storm-water drains, transportation and green spaces and parks are covered
d) States get the flexibility of designing schemes based on the needs of identified cities and in their execution and monitoring, with central assistance
159. Maximum permissible Call Drop rate as allowed by the TRAI is:
a) Quarterly average not more than 2% of the total traffic in a telecom circleb) Annual average not more than 2% of the total traffic in a telecom circle, measured in every financial year
c) Quarterly average not more than 2% of the total traffic in carried by a telecom provider nationally
d) Annual average not more than 2% of the total traffic in carried by a telecom provider nationally, measured in every financial year
160. The NJAC was declared unconstitutional and void because of all of the following reasons except:
a) Judiciary cannot risk being caught in a web of indebtedness towards the government
b) In India, the organic development of civil society, has not as yet sufficiently evolved
c) Safeguarding the rights of the citizens can only be ensured by keeping the judiciary absolutely insulated and independent from the other organs of governance
d) The collegium system of 'judges appointing judges' has been widely accepted globally as a means to keeping the judiciary autonomous
161. False regarding the India’s Civil Registration System (CRS):
a) It is administered by the office of the Registrar General of India
b) It comprises all officially registered birth and death data that is mandatory to register within 21 days
c) As the level of registration improves, the sex ratio has also been improving since the 2011 census data
d) As the overall level of registration is low and girls are less likely to be officially registered than boys, the sex ratio derived from the CRS is artificially depressed
162. The Malabar exercises, that India is a part of, consists of which of the following countries:
a) India, USA, Sri Lanka, Maldives
b) India, Japan, Russia
c) India, USA, Japand) India, Maldives, Sri Lanka
163. Which of the following pairs of interplanetary probes is wrongly matched with the agency of origin?
a) The 'Mars Orbiter Mission' - NASAb) 'Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN Mission (MAVEN)' - NASA
c) 'Rosetta' and 'Philae' - ESA
d) 'Chang'e 2' – CNSA
164. False regarding India's climate action strategy:
a) India plans to raise its forest cover to 33% of its land area through a planned afforestation
b) India plans to create an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent through a growth in forest and tree cover by 2030
c) Programmes and initiatives include the Green India Mission, green highways policy, financial incentive for forests, plantation along rivers, UN REDD+ programme, CAMPA, taxation policy
d) A cap-and-trade system of emissions to be initiated between Indian states to promote dual policy objectives of afforestation and wealth redistribution between states
165. The long-term effects of a nuclear fission warhead detonation on the affected population, include all except:
a) Excess cancer deaths amongst exposed survivours' children over successive generationsb) Excess cancers and cancer deaths amongst exposed survivors
c) Infertility amongst exposed survivors
d) Post-traumatic stress disorder amongst exposed survivors
166. False regarding Bt cotton:
a) Bt cotton variety contains a foreign gene obtained from Bacillus thuringiensis, produces the Bt toxin
b) Bt cotton is also comparatively tolerant to sucking insect pests, including whiteflyc) There is always a possibility that pests might develop resistance to Bt toxin
d) The Bt toxin is harmless to humans but protects the plants from bollworm, acting like any other pesticide
167. False regarding Viability Gap Funding:
a) These are grants that are made one-time or deferred, provided to support infrastructure projects usually arising from long gestation periods and the inability to increase user charges
b) These are provided to economically sound and sustainable projects that fall short of financial viability
c) Viability Gap Funding of infrastructure projects are to be undertaken through Public Private Partnerships
d) These are provided to politically mandated projects, that usually are not economically viable or sustainable
168. False regarding Inequality in India, according to the 2015 Credit Suisse report:
a) The richest 1% of Indians owned 53% of the country’s wealth
b) The richest 10% of Indians owned over 76% of the country’s wealth, i.e. 90% of Indians own less than a quarter of the country’s wealth
c) Inequality has significantly accelerated since the turn of the millennium
d) All minority groups had fared worse in terms of prosperity as compared to the majority group
169. False regarding national waterways in India:
a) India currently has several navigable waterways, including coastal routes, declared national waterwaysb) Inland Waterways Waterway include navigable stretches on the Ganga, Brahmaputra, Barak and canals in Southern India
c) The IWAI is the statutory authority in charge of the waterways in India
d) National Waterway 1 is along the Allahabad–Haldia stretch of the Ganges–Bhagirathi–Hooghly river system
170. False regarding road traffic deaths around the world (according to the WHO):
a) Some 1.25 million people die each year as a result of road traffic crashes - worst off being motorcyclists, pedestrians and cyclists. However, the number of road traffic deaths is stabilizing even though the number of motor vehicles worldwide has increased rapidly.
b) Countries that have had the most success in reducing the number of road traffic deaths have achieved this by improving legislation, enforcement, and making roads and vehicles safer.
c) In low- and middle- income countries, 90% of road traffic deaths occur in spite of having just 54% of the world’s vehicles. Europe’s wealthier countries, have the lowest death rates per capita; India the highest.
d) Laws that save lives include seat-belt laws, speed laws, drunk–driving laws, helmet laws, child restraint laws based on age or height restriction, etc.
171. The impacts of Quantitative easing (QE) include all except:
a) It leads to lower interest rates and increase the money supply even at the risk of higher inflation
b) It does not involve the printing of new banknotes to meet the increased liquidity target
c) It is carried out by a central bank selling government securities or other securities into the market
d) It cannot work when short-term interest rates are at or approaching zero as it might turn the real interests rates negative
172. Effect of Quantitative Easing (QE) in wealthy countries on developing countries include all except:
a) QE in wealthy countries leads to higher long-term capital investments in developing countries
b) Withdrawal of QE in wealthy countries can lead to flight of capital from developing countries
c) QE in wealthy countries leads to faster inflation in developing countries
d) QE in wealthy countries can lead to higher GDP growth in developing countries
173. False regarding monosodium glutamate (MSG):
a) It is derived from a common naturally occurring non-essential amino acid, and can be found naturally or can be added to food items
b) It is used as a taste enhancer that increases the savouriness of food
c) According to the US FDA, it is classified as "generally recognized to be dangerous to health"
d) It is considered to be harmful to health in India and lower limits are set and enforced
174. False regarding the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI)?
a) Is an autonomous agency of the Government of India
b) It is responsible for management of the network of national and state highways, link roads and rural roads in Indiac) Its nodal agency is the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
d) The NHAI is an autonomous body of the government
175. ‘The third pole’ refers to which part of the world?
a) The combined glaciated areas of the world
b) The Northern- and Southern-most fringes of continents covered by permafrost
c) The Tibetan plateaud) The Himalayan ice-caps
176. Rural inflation in India runs higher than urban inflation due to all except:
a) Fuel inflation, due to greater dependence on non-imported sources
b) Transport inflation, due to structural sparser transport networks
c) Food inflation for certain items, due to structurally inefficient distribution channels
d) Higher investment in rural infrastructure leading to higher integration
177. False regarding anti-dumping duty:
a) It neutralises the negative effects of subsidies received by foreign manufacturer
b) It is within the approved enforcement framework of the WTO
c) Protects and provides relief to the domestic industry against the injury
d) Measure to rectify the distortive effect of dumping and re-establish fair trade
178. False regarding Dumping in the sense of international trade:
a) It is the export by a country or company of a product at a price that is lower in the foreign market than the price charged in the domestic market
b) Consumers in target market may suffer due to price distortions of the targeted items, and subsequent effect on the job marketc) Exporter gains by selling large volumes, off-loading surplus stock rapidly, capturing the target market and subsequently jacking up prices, damaging local competition
d) Usually involves substantial export volumes of the product flooding target markets leading to downward forcing of prices of competing items of local industries
179. False regarding the Arbitration and Conciliation Act in India:
a) Arbitration is a preferred mode for expeditious and cost-effective resolution of commercial disputes, as opposed to court cases
b) The act is based on the UNCITRAL Model Law on International Commercial Arbitration
c) The process, or awards, cannot be challenged in courts since arbitration is based on mutual consent of the parties involved, thereby reducing time wastaged) Making the Arbitration and Conciliation process more user-friendly and cost-effective, would boost the ease of doing business in India
