Q1. Consider the following statements with reference to Megalithic Dolmen Sites.
1. Megalithic culture is associated with different types of burials.
2. Under a Dolmen, mud walls are erected in clockwise order only.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. Only 1
B. Only 2
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. 1 Option A is the correct Explanation
• Megalithic culture is known for its different types of burials and use of iron in India and Dolmen is one among them. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• Under a dolmen, huge stone slabs known as orthostats are erected in clockwise order, which creates a square room. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
• This square chamber is closed by another huge stone slab as a capstone.
• Generally, on the Eastern slab, a round or U- U-shaped entrance known as the port hole is created.
Q2. Consider the following statements about the Nipah virus infection
1. Nipah virus infection is a zoonotic illness that is transmitted from animals to humans.
2. The disease spreads through ‘flying foxes, who are natural reservoir hosts of the Nipah.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. Only 1
B. Only 2
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. 2 Option C is the correct Explanation
• Nipah virus infection is a zoonotic illness. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• It is transmitted to people from animals.
• It can be transmitted through contaminated food or directly from person to person.
• Among infected people, it causes a range of illnesses, from asymptomatic (subclinical) infection to acute respiratory illness and fatal encephalitis.
• While the Nipah virus does not spread as quickly as the Covid-19 virus, it is more deadly.
• According to the World Health Organization (WHO), The overall global case fatality rate of Nipah is estimated at 40% to 75%
• The first outbreaks of the Nipah virus among humans were reported from Malaysia (1998) and Singapore (1999).
• The animal host reservoir for this virus is known to be the fruit bat, commonly known as the flying fox. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• Fruit bats are known to transmit this virus to other animals like pigs, and also dogs, cats, goats, horses, and sheep.
• According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Nipah has a relatively high case fatality ratio.
• It is an emerging zoonotic disease of public health importance in South East Asia and Western Pacific WHO Regions
Q3. Consider the following statements with reference to the Eastern Economic Forum
1. The EEF was established in 2015 to encourage foreign investments in Russia’s Far East (RFE).
2. China, South Korea, Japan, and India are the Key Players in the region.
3. Russia is the biggest investor in this forum.
How many of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. Only one
B. Only two
C. All three
D. None
Ans. 3 Option B is correct Explanation
• The EEF was established in 2015 to encourage foreign investments in Russia’s Far East (RFE). Hence, statement 1 is
correct.
• The EEF displays the economic potential, suitable business conditions, and investment opportunities in the region.
• Agreements signed at the EEF increased from 217 in 2017 to 380 agreements in 2021, worth 3.6 trillion roubles.
• The agreements focus on infrastructure, transportation projects, mineral excavations, construction, industry and agriculture.
• China, South Korea, Japan, and India are the Key Players in the region. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• China is the biggest investor. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.
• China sees potential in promoting the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the Polar Sea Route in the RFE.
• China’s investments in the region account for 90% of the total investments.
• Russia has strategically developed the region with the aim of connecting Russia to the Asian trading routes.
• With the fast modernization of cities like Vladivostok, Khabarovsk, Ulan-Ude, Chita, and more, Russia aims to attract more investments in the region.
• To survive the economic crisis and the sanctions with the help of China and other Asian powers.
Q4. With reference to the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement
(CEPA), Consider the following statements
1. It is a kind of free trade pact that covers negotiation on the trade in services and investment and other areas of economic partnerships.
2. India has signed CEPAs with South Korea and Japan.
Which of the statements given above is/are incorrect?
A. Only 1
B. Only 2
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. 4 Option D is the correct Explanation
• Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)
• India has signed CEPAs with South Korea and Japan. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• It is a kind of free trade pact that covers negotiation on the trade in services and investment, and other areas of economic partnership. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• It may even consider negotiation in areas such as trade facilitation and customs cooperation, competition, and IPR.
• Partnership agreements or cooperation agreements are more comprehensive than Free Trade Agreements.
• CEPA also looks into the regulatory aspect of trade and encompasses an agreement covering the regulatory issues.
Q5. Consider the following statements with reference to the ‘Ayushman Bhava campaign launched recently.
1. It aims to provide saturation coverage of healthcare services, reaching every village and town in the country.
2. It embodies a whole-of-nation and whole-of-society approach to ensure that every individual receives essential health services.
Which of the statements given above is/are not correct?
A. Only 1
B. Only 2
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. 5 Option D is correct Explanation
• The ‘Ayushman Bhav’ Campaign initiated by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is a comprehensive nationwide healthcare initiative.
• Objective: To provide saturation coverage of healthcare services, reaching every village and town in the country. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• It builds upon the success of the Ayushman Bharat program and signifies a paradigm shift in healthcare services.
• It embodies a whole-of-nation and whole-of-society approach.
• It unites government sectors, civil society organizations, and communities under a
common mission.
• This ensures that every individual receives essential health services without any disparity or exclusion. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• This synergistic approach aims to saturate coverage of health services through its three components viz. Ayushman – Apke Dwar 3.0, Ayushman Melas at Health and Wellness Centers (HWCs) and Community Health Centres (CHCs) and Ayushman Sabhas in every village and panchayat.
• Panchayats that successfully saturate the Health schemes will earn the prestigious title of ‘Ayushman Gram Panchayat’ or ‘Ayushman Urban Ward’.
Q6. Consider the following statements about global warming’s impact
1. Increasing emissions can warm and acidify seawaters, harming marine life.
2. Small islands are particularly exposed to the impact of global warming, with seawater rises threatening to submerge entire countries.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. Only 1
B. Only 2
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. 6 Option C is the correct Explanation
• Ocean ecosystems create half the oxygen humans breathe and limit global warming by absorbing much of the carbon dioxide emitted by human activities.
• Increasing emissions can warm and acidify seawaters, harming marine life. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• Entire marine and coastal ecosystems are dying in waters that are becoming warmer and more acidic.
• Small islands like Vanuatu are particularly exposed to the impact of global warming, with seawater rises threatening to submerge entire countries. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• Across the two-thirds of the planet covered by seas, nearly 60% of ocean surface waters experienced at least one marine heatwave in 2022
Q7. Consider the following statements with reference to the Border Roads Organisation
1. It is functional under the Ministry of Defence
2. Functional in Afghanistan, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka
3. The main objective of the Organisation was to maintain and develop the Indian remote areas of north and northeast situated near the borders.
How many of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. Only one
B. Only two
C. All three
D. None
Ans. 7 Option C is correct Explanation
• Initially, BRO was functional under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. But since 2015, it has been managed and is functional under the Ministry of Defence. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• BRO is operational in 21 Indian states and 1 union territory. But also, functional in our friendly countries like neighboring countries such as Afghanistan, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• The Organisation was formed on May 7, 1960, to maintain and develop the Indian remote
areas of north and northeast situated near the borders. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
• The BRO Raising Day is celebrated on May 7, every year
Q8. Consider the following statements on Flash Floods
1. Excessive and continuous rainfall is the only factor responsible for flash floods.
2. Flash floods are accompanied by landslides which makes them dangerous.
3. It is common in areas where rivers are narrow and steep.
How many of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. Only one
B. Only two
C. All three
D. None
Ans. 8 Option B is correct
Explanation
• Flash Floods are highly localized events of short duration with a very high peak and usually have less than six hours between the occurrence of the rainfall and peak flood.
• These are accompanied by landslides, which are sudden movements of rock, boulders, earth, or debris down a slope which makes it dangerous. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• Apart from heavy rain, flash floods can also be caused by dam or levee failures, ice or debris jams, or sudden release of water from natural reservoirs such as glacial lakes. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
• It commonly happens more where rivers are narrow and steep, so they flow more quickly. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
• In India, flash floods are often associated with cloudbursts i.e. sudden, intense rainfall in a short period of time.
Q9. With reference to the ‘Right to Privacy Consider the following statements
1. It is protected under Article 19 of the Indian Constitution.
2. The SC in its multiple judgements has held that it is an absolute right.
3. The Puttaswamy judgment held that the right to privacy is an integral part of the fundamental rights under the Indian Constitution.
How many of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. Only one
B. Only two
C. All three
D. None
Ans. 9 Option A is the correct Explanation
• The nine-judge Constitutional Bench of the Supreme Court in Justice K. S. Puttaswamy vs. Union Of India ruled that individual privacy is intrinsic to life and liberty. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
• Also, it is an inherent part of the fundamental rights enshrined in Article 21 of the Constitution. Hence, statement 1 is
incorrect.
• It includes the preservation of personal intimacies, sanctity of family life, marriage, procreation, the home, and sexual
orientation.
• It safeguards individual autonomy and recognizes one’s ability to control vital aspects of his/her life.
• Privacy is not an absolute right, but any invasion must be based on legality, need, and proportionality. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
Q10. Consider the following statements.
1. Diesel engines are inherently efficient when compared to petrol engines.
2. Diesel engines are less likely to stall as they are controlled by a mechanical or electronic governor.
3. A higher compression ratio of diesel engines is one of the main drawbacks of diesel engines.
How many of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. Only one
B. Only two
C. All three
D. None
Ans. 10 Option C is correct Explanation
• Diesel accounts for about 40% of India’s petroleum products consumption.
• Diesel has greater energy content per liter, and diesel engines are inherently efficient when compared to petrol. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• This makes diesel the fuel of choice for heavy vehicles.
• Diesel engines offer more torque and are less likely to stall as they are controlled by a mechanical or electronic governor. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• Higher compression ratio of diesel engines means increased emissions of NOx, one of the main drawbacks of diesel engines versus petrol. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
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