Which of the following is not a method of disinvestment in India?
A. Initial Public Offering (IPO)
B. Offer for sale (OFS)
C. Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
D. Strategic sale
Correct Answer: C. Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Explanation: Methods of disinvestment in India include IPO, FPO, OFS, strategic sale, IPP, and CPSE ETF. Reserve Bank of India is not a method of disinvestment. Source
What are the objectives of the Global Declaration of Mayors for Democracy?
A. To work together to defend and strengthen democracy at the local level
B. To promote authoritarianism and the erosion of democratic norms
C. To establish local ombudspersons to address citizen complaints
D. To increase transparency in government procurement processes
Correct Answer: A. To work together to defend and strengthen democracy at the local level. Explanation: The mayors involved in the declaration aim to work together to defend and strengthen democracy at the local level, where citizens are most directly impacted by government policies and decisions. Source
What is the I4C in India?
A. Indian Institute of Cybersecurity
B. Indian Information and Cyber Security Group
C. Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre
D. None of the above
Correct Answer: C. Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre Explanation: The essay mentions that the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre or Cell is also known as I4C. Source
What is the objective of the SMART-PDS scheme?
A. To prevent leakage of food grains and increase the efficiency of the distribution chain
B. To distribute free laptops to beneficiaries
C. To provide free healthcare services to the public
D. To promote the use of electric vehicles
Correct Answer: A. To prevent leakage of food grains and increase the efficiency of the distribution chain Explanation: The SMART-PDS initiative aims to prevent leakage of food grains and increase the efficiency of the distribution chain, ensuring the availability of essential rations for migrants and efficient delivery of welfare schemes. Source
Which of the following initiatives is a fully automated route for Input Tax Credit (ITC) in the GST (Goods and Service Tax) that helps increase exports in India?
A. Remission of Duties or Taxes on Export Product (RoDTEP)
B. Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies
C. Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS)
D. Common Digital Platform for Certificate of Origin
Correct Answer: A. Remission of Duties or Taxes on Export Product (RoDTEP) Explanation: RoDTEP is a fully automated route for Input Tax Credit (ITC) in the GST (Goods and Service Tax) that helps increase exports in India. Source
What is the potential impact of microplastics on the carbon cycle in the ocean?
A. Microplastics can accelerate the carbon cycle and lead to increased carbon sequestration.
B. Microplastics can disrupt the carbon cycle and decrease carbon sequestration.
C. Microplastics have no impact on the carbon cycle in the ocean.
D. Microplastics can slow down the carbon cycle and increase carbon sequestration.
Correct Answer: B. Microplastics can disrupt the carbon cycle and decrease carbon sequestration. Explanation: Normally, phytoplankton absorbs carbon and are eaten by zooplankton, who excrete the carbon in the form of faecal pellets that sink to the sea floor. Once these carbon-containing pellets reach there, the carbon can be remineralized into rocks, preventing it from escaping back into the atmosphere. But if zooplankton consume microplastics, their faecal pellets sink at a much slower rate, making it less likely that the carbon will reach the seafloor and become permanently sequestered. Source
What is one of the main advantages of using RLVs?
A. Reduced launch cost
B. Higher speed capability
C. Greater payload capacity
D. Longer lifespan
Correct Answer: A. Reduced launch cost Explanation: According to the essay, using RLVs can reduce launch costs by nearly 80% compared to current costs. Source
Which company is planning to invest in the Indian electric vehicle (EV) space?
A. BYD Auto Co. Ltd.
B. Tesla, Inc.
C. Ford Motor Company
D. General Motors Company
Correct Answer: A. BYD Auto Co. Ltd. Explanation: The essay mentions that BYD Auto Co. Ltd. is planning to invest in the Indian EV space. Source
Which countries are de-dollarising?
A. Only India and Malaysia
B. Only Russia and China
C. Only the US
D. All countries in the world
Correct Answer: B. Only Russia and China Explanation: The essay explains that leading geopolitical adversaries of the US, Russia, and China have already started the process of de-dollarisation. Other smaller powers are also joining the ranks. Source
What is the primary aim of Project Tiger?
A. To increase the population of tigers in the country
B. To protect and preserve different species of flora and fauna
C. To provide employment opportunities to local communities
D. To establish biosphere reserves in the country
Correct Answer: A. To increase the population of tigers in the country Explanation: Project Tiger was launched in 1973 with an ambitious aim of increasing the population of tigers in the country. Source
What is the aim of the Export Credit Guarantee Corporation (ECGC)?
A. To promote imports into the country
B. To provide credit risk insurance and related services for imports
C. To improve the competitiveness of Indian exports by providing them with credit insurance covers
D. To administer the National Import Insurance Account (NIIA) Trust
Correct Answer: C. To improve the competitiveness of Indian exports by providing them with credit insurance covers Explanation: The ECGC’s aim is to improve the competitiveness of the Indian exports by providing them with credit insurance covers. It also administers the National Export Insurance Account (NEIA) Trust, which caters to project exports of strategic and national importance. Source
How many Indian products have been granted a GI tag so far?
A. 34
B. 45
C. 441
D. 33
Correct Answer: C. 441 Explanation: As of now, 441 Indian products have been granted a GI tag by the GI Registry, Chennai. Source
What is the significance of Japan-India Special Strategic and Global Partnership?
A. Strengthening economic ties
B. Enhancing regional security
C. Developing space technology
D. Promoting cultural exchange
Correct Answer: B. Enhancing regional security. Explanation: Japan-India Special Strategic and Global Partnership is significant in enhancing regional security, countering Chinese influence and maintaining a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region. Source
Will the proposed amendments to the AMASR Act apply to all monuments?
A. Yes, they will apply to all monuments.
B. No, they will only apply to smaller monuments.
C. No, they will only apply to larger monuments.
D. None of the above.
Correct Answer: B. No, they will only apply to smaller monuments. Explanation: The article mentions that the amendments aim to provide relief in restricted zones, particularly for smaller monuments that don’t require a large protected area for their preservation. Source
What is the main challenge faced by private IOEs in India?
A. Lack of funding
B. Difficulty in working with the University Grants Commission
C. Inability to recruit foreign faculty
D. Limited access to academic collaborations
Correct Answer: B. Difficulty in working with the University Grants Commission Explanation: Despite their special status, private IOEs have found it difficult to work with the University Grants Commission due to the number of regulators, red tape, delays, and compliance requirements. Source
What is the Great Nicobar Project?
A. A transhipment port project in the Bay of Bengal
B. A power plant project in the Bay of Bengal
C. A project to develop the Great Nicobar Island
D. A project to increase the population of the Bay of Bengal
Correct Answer: C. A project to develop the Great Nicobar Island Explanation: The Great Nicobar Project is a mega project approved by the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) that aims to develop the Great Nicobar Island located in the Bay of Bengal. Source
Which of the following is NOT a method of pricing carbon?
A. Carbon tax
B. Emissions trading system (ETS)
C. Import tariff on carbon content
D. Fossil fuel subsidy
Correct Answer: D. Fossil fuel subsidy Explanation: The three ways of pricing carbon are a carbon tax, emissions trading system (ETS), and import tariff on carbon content. Fossil fuel subsidies, on the other hand, are government programs that provide financial support to companies engaged in the production or consumption of fossil fuels. Source
What is the Competition (Amendment) Bill, 2023?
A. A bill seeking to amend the Competition Act, 2002
B. A bill seeking to regulate foreign investments
C. A bill seeking to regulate environmental pollution
D. A bill seeking to regulate the media
Correct Answer: A. A bill seeking to amend the Competition Act, 2002. Explanation: The Competition (Amendment) Bill, 2023 seeks to amend the Competition Act, 2002 which regulates competition in the Indian market and prohibits anti-competitive practices such as cartels, mergers and acquisitions that may have an adverse effect on competition. Source
Which of the following is the world’s largest rural broadband connectivity program?
A. Bharat Net Project
B. National Broadband Mission
C. PM-WANI program
D. Public Data Offices (PDOs)
Correct Answer: A. Bharat Net Project Explanation: The Bharat Net Project is the world’s largest rural broadband connectivity program using Optical fibre to create robust middle-mile infrastructure for taking broadband connectivity to Gram Panchayats. Source
What are some reasons for the gains in India’s tax collections in FY 2022-23?
A. Incorporation of data accumulation tools
B. Expansion of tax deduction and tax collection at source provisions
C. Increase in tax base through implementation of GST
D. All of the above
Correct Answer: D. All of the above Explanation: some reasons for the gains in India’s tax collections in FY 2022-23 include the incorporation of data accumulation tools, expansion of tax deduction and tax collection at source provisions, and increase in tax base through implementation of GST. Source
What is the McMahon Line?
A. The boundary between Tibet and British India agreed upon at the Simla Convention.
B. The boundary between China and Myanmar.
C. The boundary between Bhutan and China.
D. The boundary between India and Pakistan.
Correct Answer: A. The boundary between Tibet and British India agreed upon at the Simla Convention. Explanation: The McMahon Line was drawn from the eastern border of Bhutan to the Isu Razi pass on the China-Myanmar border and named after Henry McMahon, the chief British negotiator at Shimla. The People’s Republic of China disputes the legal status of the McMahon Line and claims territory to the south of the McMahon Line lying in Arunachal Pradesh. Source
What was the primary cause of over-abstraction of groundwater?
A. Drinking water projects
B. Agricultural pumping
C. Industrial activities
D. Natural ecosystems
Correct Answer: B. Agricultural pumping Explanation: Agricultural pumping is the primary cause of over-abstraction of groundwater, particularly in heavily irrigated areas like Punjab. Source
What are some of the barriers faced by lower-caste individuals while accessing education and employment opportunities?
A. Socio-cultural and economic privileges.
B. Discrimination based on caste identity.
C. Relying on caste identity as a means of asserting rights.
D. Resistance to affirmative action policies.
Correct Answer: B. Discrimination based on caste identity.
Explanation: Lower-caste individuals face discrimination and barriers while accessing education and employment opportunities due to their caste identity. Source
Which of the following is NOT one of the objectives of FTP 2023?
A. To create an enabling ecosystem.
B. To build a future-ready India.
C. To triple India’s GDP by 2030.
D. To integrate India with the global markets.
Correct Answer: C. To triple India’s GDP by 2030. Explanation: FTP 2023 aims to triple India’s goods and services exports to $2 trillion by 2030, but not GDP. Source
What is the main objective of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022?
A. To reduce inflation by decreasing the deficit and cost of prescription drugs.
B. To increase the deficit and cost of prescription drugs.
C. To invest in foreign energy production.
D. To reduce investment in clean energy.
Correct Answer: A. To reduce inflation by decreasing the deficit and cost of prescription drugs.
Explanation: The IRA is a significant federal law in the US that seeks to reduce inflation by decreasing the deficit, decreasing the cost of prescription drugs, and investing in domestic energy production with a focus on promoting clean energy. Source
What did NATO Allies pledge at the Wales Summit in 2014?
A. To invest less in defense
B. To move towards spending 2% of GDP on defense by 2024
C. To spend 20% of GDP on major equipment
D. None of the above
Correct Answer: B. To move towards spending 2% of GDP on defense by 2024 Explanation: At the Wales Summit in 2014, NATO Allies pledged to invest more and better in defense, to move towards spending 2% of GDP on defense by 2024, and to spend 20% of that on major equipment, as stated in the essay. Source
The Lokpal of India has not prosecuted anyone accused of graft till date. What was the reason given for this by the Lokpal?
A. Lack of evidence
B. Lack of jurisdiction
C. Lack of political will
D. Lack of resources
Correct Answer: C. Lack of political will Explanation: The Lokpal of India recently submitted to a parliamentary panel that it has not prosecuted even a single person accused of graft till date, citing lack of political will as the reason. Source
What is the purpose of the guidelines issued by the National Medical Commission?
A. To define the responsibilities of medical professionals
B. To regulate medical education
C. To promote alternative medicine
D. To provide financial assistance to medical students
Correct Answer: A. To define the responsibilities of medical professionals Explanation: The article states that the guidelines were issued to define the professional responsibilities of the medical education fraternity. Source
The Sixth Schedule was enacted in 1949 to protect which of the following groups?
A. Indigenous groups
B. Immigrants
C. Foreign investors
D. Government officials
Correct Answer: A. Indigenous groups Explanation: The Sixth Schedule was enacted in 1949 to protect indigenous groups through the establishment of autonomous administrative divisions known as Autonomous District Councils (ADCs). Source
What are the implications of ALE’s Sky Canvas project?
A. Entertainment and scientific research
B. Environmental impact and space debris
C. Creating an artificial comet and studying the thermosphere
D. Creating an artificial asteroid and studying the stratosphere
Correct Answer: A. Entertainment and scientific research. Explanation: The artificial meteor shower can offer a new form of entertainment that combines technology and nature, while the project can also be used to study the mesosphere and its properties. Source
What is India’s reaction to the OIC’s allegations?
A. It does not want to tolerate any interference in its internal affairs.
B. It wants to join the OIC as a full member.
C. It supports the OIC’s allegations.
D. It wants to become a nuclear power.
Correct Answer: A. It does not want to tolerate any interference in its internal affairs.
Explanation: India’s reaction to the OIC’s allegations shows that it does not want to tolerate any interference in its internal affairs. Source
What is the purpose of the Hyper Suprime-Cam (HSC) Survey?
A. To study the effect of gravitational lensing on dark matter.
B. To study the formation of black holes.
C. To study the distribution of visible matter in the universe.
D. To study the formation of stars in galaxies.
Correct Answer: A. To study the effect of gravitational lensing on dark matter.
Explanation: The Hyper Suprime-Cam (HSC) Survey is one of the most powerful astronomical cameras in the world, and it is used to study the effect of gravitational lensing on dark matter. Source
What is the Ministry of Corporate Affairs planning to introduce in the third version of the MCA21 portal?
A. About 40 new forms.
B. A reduction in the number of forms.
C. An elimination of all statutory forms.
D. No changes to the current forms.
Correct Answer: A. About 40 new forms.
Explanation: The Ministry of Corporate Affairs is planning to introduce about 40 new forms in the third version of its MCA21 portal. Source
What is aquaculture?
A. Breeding, raising, and harvesting fish, shellfish, and aquatic plants
B. Breeding, raising, and harvesting cattle
C. Breeding, raising, and harvesting poultry
D. Breeding, raising, and harvesting grains
Correct Answer: A. Breeding, raising, and harvesting fish, shellfish, and aquatic plants Explanation: Aquaculture essentially means breeding, raising, and harvesting fish, shellfish, and aquatic plants in water. Source
What is PPI interoperability?
A. The ability to use PPIs at any merchant
B. The inability to use PPIs at any merchant
C. The ability to use PPIs only at specific merchant locations
D. The ability to use PPIs only with specific PPI issuer networks
Correct Answer: A. The ability to use PPIs at any merchant Explanation: PPI interoperability refers to the ability to use PPIs at any merchant, regardless of the PPI issuer network. Source
What are the two forms of IPR protection in agriculture?
A. Plant-breeders’ rights (PBRs) and Patents
B. Trademarks and Copyrights
C. Trade secrets and Patents
D. Plant-breeders’ rights (PBRs) and Trademarks
Correct Answer: A. Plant-breeders’ rights (PBRs) and Patents Explanation: The essay states that the two forms of IPR protection in agriculture are Plant-breeders’ rights (PBRs) and Patents. Source
Which type of investors can use the ASBA facility?
A. Only retail investors
B. Only institutional investors
C. Both retail and institutional investors
D. None of the above
Correct Answer: C. Both retail and institutional investors Explanation: Both retail and institutional investors can use the ASBA facility for applying to IPOs and FPOs in India. Source
Which sector is Chile primarily targeting in its trade agreement with India?
A. Mining
B. Agriculture and allied sectors
C. Textiles
D. Automobiles
Correct Answer: B. Agriculture and allied sectors Explanation: The essay states that Chile is interested in collaborating with India in the agriculture and allied sectors, particularly in the areas of fruits, vegetables, and wines. Source
Which country recently joined NATO in April 2023?
A. Sweden
B. Turkey
C. Hungary
D. Finland
Correct Answer: D. Finland Explanation: According to the essay, Finland joined NATO in April 2023, while Turkey and Hungary are blocking Sweden’s path to NATO membership. Source
India’s election to the UN Statistical Commission highlights its growing importance in the:
A. Global statistical system.
B. Global environmental system.
C. Global economic system.
D. Global social system.
Correct Answer: A. Global statistical system. Explanation: India’s election to the UN Statistical Commission highlights its growing importance in the global statistical system, as the Commission is the highest decision-making body for international statistical activities. Source
What is the key feature of the ER-ASR?
A. Anti-aircraft capability
B. Depth interception capability
C. Surface-to-surface capability
D. Interception of ballistic missiles
Correct Answer: B. Depth interception capability. Explanation: The ER-ASR has been designed to intercept submarines at specific depths, making it a more effective weapon against submarines. Source
What is the purpose of imposing anti-dumping duty on imports under the World Trade Organization (WTO)?
A. To encourage fair trading practices and create a level-playing field for all
B. To increase import of cheaper goods
C. To create an imbalance in the trading market
D. To favor specific countries for trading
Correct Answer: A. To encourage fair trading practices and create a level-playing field for all Explanation: The aim of imposing anti-dumping duty on imports under the WTO is to encourage fair trading practices and create a level-playing field for all. Source
